December 29, 2000
DC's Snow Team Prepares for Accumulation Up to 6 Inches
Snow Emergency In Effect Beginning at 3 AM, Towing Enforced
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the District of Columbia. The DC Department of Public Works and the Emergency Management Agency are readying employees and equipment for snowfall expected to begin as flurries by midnight on Saturday with accumulation to begin around 5 AM. The District can expect about 6 inches of snow.
At 3 AM, the District will declare a Snow Emergency, which means that streets designated with red and white Snow Emergency Route signs must be clear of all parked vehicles. These routes are the city's important transportation corridors and are scheduled for early plowing during a major snowstorm. For the duration of the Snow Emergency, any vehicles parked on Snow Emergency Routes are subject to a $250 fine and towing, although towing fees will not be levied. Towed cars can be located by calling 202-541-6060.
The city will load and deploy 77 plows and salt-spreading trucks from midnight until 3 AM, Saturday. After the 3 AM Snow Emergency has been declared, over 300 trucks and plows will work to treat the city's main roads and residential streets. Although many residential streets will be made passable within roughly 8 hours after the end of the storm, complete clearing will take several additional hours, barring a new storm.
Home and business owners are reminded that they are responsible for shoveling and salting steps leading from their property, as well as sidewalks and driveways abutting their homes and businesses.
Note: For updates on traffic and road conditions, tune into DC's cable television station, Channel 16, and visit the Mayor's website, www.washingtondc.gov.
