District Snow Team Prepares for Forecasted Icy Road Conditions Leading into the Christmas Holiday

Roadway Pretreatment Begins Monday Evening at 6 pm on All Snow Emergency Routes and Bridges; Pedestrians, Motorists, and Bicyclists Should be Mindful of Possible Icy Conditions

(Washington, DC) – In anticipation of possible freezing rain predicted during Tuesday morning’s rush hour, Mayor Muriel Bowser will deploy the District Snow Team at 6 pm on Monday, December 23. Pre-treatment brine operations will begin this evening on all snow emergency routes, including the National Highway System.   

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a 60 percent chance of light freezing rain between 5 am and 11 am on Tuesday, December 24, with temperatures just below or at freezing. The snow team will remain on standby from 11 pm Monday, December 23, until 11 am on Tuesday, December 24, to handle ice complaints across the District. 

The District Snow Team deployment will consist of brine and salt trucks, including heavy plows for highways, streets, bike-lanes, bridges, ramps, and other elevated structures, as well as light plows for smaller streets.  

Residential and commercial property owners are encouraged to spread abrasives (e.g., salt, pet-friendly deicer, or non-clumping kitty litter) on their sidewalks before precipitation begins to reduce the possibility of icing and to prevent slips and falls. Residents are advised to place their Department of Public Works (DPW) serviced trash, recycling, and food waste bins out for collection before the precipitation begins to avoid risk of falls.    

Residents and commuters are encouraged to register for important weather alerts from the District by signing up for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov. For preparedness tips and additional details on the District’s snow response, visit the Snow Season FAQ Guide.  

Hypothermia Alert and Shelters   

Call 311 or the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 to request free, accessible shelter transport for individuals experiencing homelessness. Transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If there is an immediate risk to safety, dial 911. 

For all animal emergencies, including pets left outdoors in extreme weather, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at (202) 723-5730.    

Winter Weather Safety and Preparedness Tips    

• Ensure your snow shovel is ready for the season. 
• Check your supply of abrasives – salt, pet-friendly deicer, or non-clumping kitty litter – and get more if necessary.  
• Avoid driving during the worst part of the storm. If possible, only travel during daylight hours, don’t travel alone, and stay on main roads instead of taking shortcuts. 
• Have enough over-the-counter and prescription medications for your family and pets.    
• Make sure your gutters are cleared of leaves. Call 311 to report clogged storm drains/catch basins and other non-emergency hazards or damage. 
• Keep your vehicle’s fluid tanks – gas, water, antifreeze and windshield wiper – full. 
• Have a flashlight, blankets, and scrapers in your vehicle before a storm begins. 
• Install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home and/or replace the batteries in existing devices.
• Do not use a gas oven, generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline burning device inside your home, basement, or garage. 
• Avoid frozen pipes by allowing a small trickle of water to run through the pipes.    

The District Snow Team will continue to monitor the weather forecast and adjust its response as necessary. For more information about DC’s snow program and preparing for winter weather, visit snow.dc.gov.