The Washington, DC region is preparing a winter storm, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has closed federal agency offices in the region on Monday in response.
According to OPM, federal offices in the Washington, DC region will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025. Maximum telework is in effect as part of the closure.
OPM’s notice states:
- Telework Employees are expected to work. Generally, telework employees may not receive weather and safety leave.
- Remote Workers are expected to work. Generally, remote workers may not receive weather and safety leave.
- Non-Telework Employees generally will be granted weather and safety leave for the number of hours they were scheduled to work. However, weather and safety leave will not be granted to employees who are on official travel outside of the duty station or on an Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) day off or other non-workday.
- Emergency Employees are expected to report to their worksite unless otherwise directed by their agencies.
- Employees on Preapproved Leave (paid or unpaid) or other paid time off generally should continue to be charged leave or other paid time off and should not receive weather and safety leave.
Washington, DC is under a winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service that begins at 10 PM EST on Sunday and until 1 AM EST Tuesday, January 7. 5-10 inches of snow accumulation is possible and as much as 12″ in some areas.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency ahead of the possible snowstorm. He said in a statement:
I am declaring a state of emergency for the incoming winter storm currently forecasted to impact Virginia starting Sunday, and I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts. Given the current projected size of the storm, if your post-holiday travel plans have you leaving Sunday, I encourage you to adjust those plans to leave on Saturday. If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe. Our pre-treating preparations are underway and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the weekend.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness for the storm from Sunday through Monday.
NWS Winter Storm Warning for Washington, DC
Issued Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 9:54 PM EST
District of Columbia-Frederick MD-Carroll-Southern Baltimore-
Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Northwest Montgomery-Central and
Southeast Montgomery-Northwest Howard-Central and Southeast
Howard-Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-Northern
Fauquier-Western Loudoun-Eastern Loudoun-Northwest Prince William-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST TUESDAY…
- WHAT…Heavy snow expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations
between 5 and 10 inches, with amounts of up to 16 inches possible
in isolated spots if heavy banding sets up in this area. Ice
accumulations of a trace possible. - WHERE…DC, central, north central, and northern Maryland, and
northern Virginia. - WHEN…Until 1 AM EST Tuesday.
- IMPACTS…Conditions will rapidly deteriorate tonight with
untreated and unplowed roads becoming impassable for the Monday
morning and evening commutes. During the times of heaviest
snowfall, even primary roads may be impassable. It is highly
recommended to postpone non-essential travel. - ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snowfall rates between 1 to 3 inches per hour
are possible between midnight and mid-morning Monday. A second
round of heavy snow is likely Monday evening before precipitation
ends Monday night.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use
extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
