State Of Emergency Declared for DC
Friday, January 23, 2026
Drivers Must Move Vehicles from Snow Emergency Routes by Noon on Saturday, January 24
(Washington, DC) – Ahead of the upcoming winter storm, Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a State of Emergency for Washington, DC, effective immediately.
As part of the State of Emergency, the Mayor also declared a Snow Emergency that will go into effect at noon on Saturday, January 24 and stay in effect until 9:30 am on Tuesday, January 27. During a Snow Emergency, motorists may not park on snow emergency routes. Drivers must move vehicles off the routes no later than noon on Saturday, January 24, otherwise the vehicles can be ticketed and towed. Find a map of the snow emergency routes at snow.dc.gov. To learn where a vehicle has been towed, call the Towed Vehicle Locator office at 202-541-6083, or go to dpw.dc.gov/page/booting-and-impoundment.
The Mayor also requested vehicle support from the DC National Guard, including high ground clearance vehicles, to ensure first responders can effectively move around the city throughout the storm.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a high-impact winter storm is expected to affect the District starting Saturday. Snowfall is expected to begin Saturday late afternoon and could last through Monday morning, with the greatest accumulation Saturday night into Sunday morning. NWS is projecting at least nine inches of snow in the District, with over a foot of snow possible. NWS is also projecting freezing rain overnight Sunday into Monday morning.
In addition to the snow and potential freezing rain, the District will experience dangerously low temperatures beginning Friday evening, lasting through the storm, and lingering well into next week. Temperatures will remain below freezing through at least Wednesday afternoon, with overnight wind chills lows below zero expected. During this time, pedestrians, motorists, and bicyclists should limit outdoor exposure and proceed with caution when traveling on roads and walkways.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for free email and text alerts and updates through AlertDC, the District’s emergency public notification system, at alert.dc.gov.
Residents are also encouraged to stay vigilant and help neighbors experiencing homelessness in need of shelter by calling the Shelter Hotline. To request free, accessible transportation for yourself or someone else, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or by dialing 311. If you believe there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911.
Cold Weather and Shelters
A Cold Alert is currently in effect. The District opens Hypothermia Shelters to ensure there are warm, safe places to be for anyone experiencing homelessness. For a list of shelters and other information about hypothermia season, visit cold.dc.gov.
Cold Weather Safety Precautions:
Stay inside if you can.
Cover up and limit exposed skin when you go outside.
Check on your neighbors and learn the signs of hypothermia, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with access and functional needs who are the most vulnerable in our community.
For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures, call the Brandywine Valley SPCA at 202-888-PETS.
