Winter storm warnings are currently affecting the entire D.C. metro region as the area braces for its first snowstorm of the 2025 winter season. Heavy snow began falling late Sunday, and forecasts predict total accumulations of up to 10 inches by Monday morning, prompting extensive preparations across the region.
By 9 a.m. on Monday, schools were closed throughout the D.C. area due to the snowy conditions, including major announcements from both Virginia and Maryland. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a snow emergency for the capital, which coincides with federal government closures. Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared states of emergency and preparedness, respectively.
Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads during the storm. If travel is necessary, they recommend utilizing the Metro system. "Let’s keep the roads clear for our plows and emergency vehicles," said Mayor Bowser during her emergency proclamation. Snowfall was expected to increase through the morning hours and linger well through Monday evening.
According to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Metrorail trains are typically able to operate near normal schedules with up to six inches of snow on the ground. But with total accumulations predicted to exceed this threshold, significant adjustments to services will be necessary. Above eight inches of snow will likely lead to suspensions of above-ground train services. WMATA officials have also indicated potential delays and limited bus services under their Severe Snow Plan, affecting 42 of the 193 routes.
By 8:50 AM ET on Monday, approximately 320,000 power outages had been reported across five states, with Virginia alone accounting for over 102,000 outage reports. The winter storm is part of a broader weather event affecting various regions of the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic, leaving tens of millions under weather advisories.
Residents should prepare for extremely cold temperatures coupled with strong winds. Forecasts predict wind gusts between 20 and 30 mph, resulting in wind chill temperatures plummeting to the 10s and 20s. Therefore, authorities are emphasizing safety and preparedness, recommending residents stay indoors and check resources for the latest updates and service changes.
With these challenging conditions impacting daily life across the D.C. Metro area, both officials and citizens are working together to navigate the storm effectively.