DMV Getting Ready for Snowfall

The mad rush is on across the DMV as the region prepares for its biggest snowstorm in years. DC officials have crews on standby.

January 30, 2021 at 11:19 am
NEWS, WHUR

WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she will deploy the District Snow Team at midnight, Sunday, January 31, in preparation for a possible four to six inches of snowfall starting around daybreak Sunday and possibly continuing into Tuesday. Brine application crews will begin spraying the “hot mix” combination of brine and beet juice at midnight to reduce the temperature where ice bonds to the pavement. Below to slightly above freezing air and pavement temperatures are expected through Tuesday.

 

The Snow Team will deploy 147 heavy plows (six- and 10-wheel dump trucks) to apply salt to highways, streets, bridges, ramps, and other elevated structures, and 81 light plows (pickup trucks) that clear snow from smaller streets.


 

The Department of Public Works (DPW) leads the District Snow Team with support from the Department of Transportation (DDOT), Department of General Services (DGS), Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Serve DC, and several other agencies.

 

Residents and commuters are encouraged to register for important weather alerts from the District by signing up for AlertDC at alertdc.dc.gov. View Neighbor-2-Neighbor videos, at snow.dc.gov/page/neighbor-2-neighbor-snow-prep-tips, for residents’ snow prep tips.

 

The District Snow Team also encourages residents and commercial property owners to apply abrasives such as rock salt, deicer, or non-clumping kitty litter to the sidewalks around their properties prior to snowfall to reduce the possibility of icing and to prevent slips and falls. The Snow Team uses pet friendly deicer on District pedestrian bridges.

 

Buildings and COVID-19 Testing Sites

Pre-treatment and snow removal will occur at municipal buildings, first responder locations, hypothermia centers, and homeless shelters.

 

Hypothermia Alert and Shelters

If you see someone outside in need of shelter or a welfare check, during freezing temperatures, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093, or dial 311. If there is an immediate risk to safety call 911. Transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

Winter Weather Tips

  • Find your snow shovel and make sure it is adequate for another snow season.
  • Check your supply of abrasives – deicer, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter – and get more if necessary. The District has used pet-friendly deicer on its pedestrian bridges for several years and found it to melt ice effectively and be easy on pets’ paws.
  • Have enough over-the-counter and prescription medications for your family and pet(s).
  • Make sure your gutters are cleared of leaves. You don’t want leaves to block the flow of rainwater that may freeze.
  • Turn off all outdoor water faucets.
  • Keep your vehicle’s fluids tanks – gas, water, antifreeze and windshield wiper – full.

  • Have a flashlight, blankets, and scrapers in your vehicle before a storm begins.

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.