The Washington DC Snow and Ice Removal Plan gives residential street cleaning the same priority as removing snow from major city corridors. Starting in 2009, during any snowstorm, all streets will be treated simultaneously. Washington DC has approximately 400 teams and 750 people available to help during any storm.
Questions about DC Snow Removal? – Dial 311
Emergency snow routes in Washington DC
Snow emergency routes are marked with red and white signs in Washington DC. When a snow emergency is declared, all vehicles must be immediately moved from the Snow Emergency Routes. Parking is prohibited on these routes to allow for deep salting and plowing. In DC, illegally parked vehicles are subject to a $ 250 fine plus additional fees for towing and storing in a warehouse lot. To find out if there is a snow emergency in effect, you can call the Mayor’s City Call Center (311). To locate towed vehicles during a snow emergency, call (202) 727-5000.
See a map of the snow emergency routes.
Clearing snow from sidewalks in Washington DC
DC law requires homeowners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, handicap ramps, and steps on their property within the first eight hours of light after the snow, sleet, or ice stops falling.
Power outages in the DC area
If you lose power during a snowstorm, the power companies want you to call them so they can locate the areas that need restoration. Read more about power outages in the region
Public service emergency phone numbers:
WASA (Water and Sewer Authority Hotline) (202) 612-3400
PEPCO (Potomac Electric and Power Company) (877) PEPCO-62
Verizon (Telephone Company) (800) 275-2355
WMATA (Washington Metro Area Transit Authority) (202) 962-1212
Washington Gas (gas company) (800) 752-7520
Tips for Coping with Snow in Washington DC
- Stay off roads if possible during and immediately after a snow storm. If you must be on the road, drive slowly.
- Keep an ice scraper, shovel and blanket, flash light, and emergency supplies in your vehicle. Keep your cell phone fully charged.
- Have a designated driver or call a taxi if you are not comfortable driving in the snow. Spread salt in your driveway before the snow starts. Shovel to keep walkways around your property clear of snow.
- Help your neighbors, especially those who may need assistance during or after a snow emergency.
- Prepare and stockpile batteries for flashlights, radios, and battery-powered games.
- Stay warm and be sure to monitor heaters, keeping them away from curtains, babies, and pets.
The impact of Metrorail during a significant snowstorm
The Washington Metrorail has several hundred people to assist in the snow removal effort. For the most part, Metro operates very close to normal hours in snowfall up to six inches. Customers are likely to experience more crowds on snowy days. On occasion, Metro may use snow and ice clearing equipment between regularly scheduled passenger trains. This can lead to longer waits between trains to allow time for the snow to clear.
If an eight-inch or larger snowstorm hits the region, Metro will focus on preserving its fleet of railroad cars, and may suspend above-ground rail service and serve only underground stations.
This allows Metro to save more rail cars due to weather-related breakdowns, focus snow clearing operations on elevated tracks, and store a limited number of trains underground.
For updates on Metro service due to winter weather conditions, call (202) 637-7000 or subscribe to Electronic Alerts and receive up-to-date information on service interruptions.
Snow Removal Information for Washington DC Suburbs
Montgomery County, Maryland County of
Prince George, Maryland
Alexandria, Virginia
Arlington, Virginia
Fairfax, Virginia
