February 2, 2026

Winter Storm Resources for DC Residents

Tuesday February 3 Update: District Prepares for Possible Snow Tuesday Evening; Cold Alert Remains in Effect

As extreme cold conditions continue, District agencies are preparing for forecasted light snow Tuesday evening, Feb. 3, while maintaining cold-weather safety and shelter operations. Councilmember Matt Frumin’s office is sharing the following information to help Ward 3 residents prepare and access available resources.

Weather Forecast and Snow Operations

The National Weather Service is forecasting light snow beginning Tuesday between 4 and 6 p.m., with precipitation expected to end by 6 a.m. Wednesday. Up to half an inch of snow is possible. With temperatures remaining low, icy conditions may develop and affect travel.

District snow crews remain deployed following last week’s storm and will continue pretreatment and response efforts, including:

Salting bridges, elevated surfaces, and highways
Treating major corridors followed by residential streets
Full deployment of more than 200 heavy and light plows

Residents are encouraged to limit travel where possible and use caution on roads and walkways.

Snow Clearing Responsibilities

Residents and businesses are encouraged to prepare for snow and ice removal by clearing early and often.

Residential property owners who are not enrolled in the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within eight hours of daylight following a snow event.
Commercial property owners are required to clear adjacent sidewalks within the same timeframe.
Restaurant owners are advised to bring in outdoor dining furniture and equipment (except barriers) to avoid damage during snow operations.

Applying salt, pet-friendly deicer, sand, or non-clumping kitty litter before and during snowfall can help reduce icing and improve traction.

Residents interested in helping neighbors can volunteer with the DC Volunteer Snow Team through Serve DC at snowteam.dc.gov.

Trash and Recycling Collection Update

The Department of Public Works has resumed regular trash, recycling, and food waste collection on the normal schedule.

Residents should place bins at their usual collection point.
Food waste bins should be placed at the front curb to support safe service.
If collection is missed, residents should leave bins out; missed collections will be prioritized the next day.
If materials are not collected within two days, residents should report the issue to 311.

Operational updates as of Tuesday morning:

Monday front-side collections are complete; Tuesday front-side collections are underway.
Bobcats have cleared pathways in all Monday collection alleys and are clearing Tuesday alleys today.
Monday alley collections are continuing; Tuesday alley collections may extend into Wednesday.

Cold Alert and Shelter Resources

A Cold Alert remains in effect. The District has opened hypothermia shelters to ensure safe, warm spaces for residents experiencing homelessness.

Residents who see someone in need of shelter are encouraged to call the Shelter Hotline to request free, accessible transportation:

202-399-7093 or 311
Call 911 for medical emergencies

Information about shelter locations and hypothermia services is available at cold.dc.gov. Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts are also shared through AlertDC.

Open Shelters

Low-barrier shelters for women, men, and LGBTQ+ residents remain open year-round. Hypothermia shelters are operating 24 hours a day through Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7 a.m. Hours and locations may change if conditions require.

Cold Weather Safety Reminders

Residents are encouraged to:

Stay indoors when possible
Dress in layers and limit exposed skin
Check on neighbors, particularly older adults and those with additional needs
Report animal emergencies, including pets left outdoors, to Brandywine Valley SPCA at 202-888-PETS

District Operations and Preparedness

The Department of General Services has begun pretreating government properties, including schools, police and fire stations, shelters, senior centers, and recreation facilities, and is prepared to move into removal and post-treatment as needed.

Residents are encouraged to:

Sign up for weather alerts through AlertDC at alert.dc.gov
Review winter preparedness guidance at snow.dc.gov

Councilmember Frumin’s office will continue monitoring conditions, sharing updates, and elevating Ward 3 concerns as the District responds to ongoing winter weather and extreme cold.

Ward 3 Support, Extreme Cold, and City Services (Posted Monday, February 2)

Extreme Cold Persists Across the District

Ward 3 remains under an Extreme Cold Alert as freezing temperatures continue across the District. While crews have been working to address impacts from last week’s storm, ice remains in many areas, and progress has been uneven.

How Councilmember Frumin’s Office Is Supporting Ward 3 Residents

As Ward 3 continues to experience icy conditions and extreme cold, Councilmember Matt Frumin’s office remains focused on assisting residents and ensuring Ward 3 concerns are reflected in the District’s ongoing response.

The office has received a high volume of calls and emails from residents reporting unsafe conditions, including icy streets, blocked access from side streets, difficult alley conditions, and challenges at transit stops and intersections. Constituent Services staff are reviewing resident reports daily, compiling location-specific information, and sharing it with District agencies responsible for response and follow-up, including DPW, DDOT, DGS, and MOCRS.

Residents contacting the office are encouraged to include their address or nearest cross streets when reporting snow and ice issues. This allows staff to accurately log concerns, identify patterns across neighborhoods, and flag locations for agency review. While conditions vary block by block, the office is using resident input to elevate both individual problem areas and broader issues affecting Ward 3.

The office recognizes that many residents are frustrated by the persistence of hazardous conditions and the pace of improvement. Councilmember Frumin and his team will continue pressing for attention to Ward 3 concerns and sharing updates as response efforts continue.

Government and School Operations

DC Government is open on time today.
DC Public Schools are operating on a two-hour delay today, Monday, Feb. 2, and are expected to open on time Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Families with students attending public charter schools should check directly with their school for operating updates.

Extreme Cold and Shelter Resources

Extended cold conditions pose serious risks, particularly for residents experiencing homelessness. The District has expanded shelter capacity and related services during this period.

Residents who see someone in need of shelter are encouraged to contact the Shelter Hotline to request free, accessible transportation:

Shelter Hotline: 202-399-7093
Or call 311
Call 911 in the event of a medical emergency

Additional information about hypothermia season and shelter locations is available at cold.dc.gov.

Cold Weather Safety Reminders

Residents are encouraged to:

Stay indoors when possible
Dress in layers and cover exposed skin
Check on neighbors, especially older adults, children, and residents with access or functional needs
Report animal emergencies, including pets left outdoors in extreme cold, to Brandywine Valley SPCA at 202-888-PETS

Snow Clearing and Sidewalk Responsibilities

Snow and ice removal efforts continue across the District. Property owners are reminded that they are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their homes or businesses unless enrolled in the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program.

Businesses are advised to bring in outdoor dining furniture and equipment (except barriers) to prevent damage during snow operations.

Trash and Recycling Collection Update

The Department of Public Works has announced that regular trash and recycling collection schedules resume today, Monday, Feb. 2, for both front-side and alley collections.

Front-Side Collection

Trash and recycling will be collected on residents’ regular scheduled day.

Alley Collection

DPW crews are continuing to clear alley access using bobcats.
Residents should place cans out as best as possible on their regular collection day and leave them out until collected.

Important Reminders

If trash or recycling is not collected on the regular day, leave it out and it will be prioritized the following day.
If collection has not occurred within two days, report it to 311.
Trash and recycling may be placed out together this week regardless of the usual recycling schedule.

Daily updates are available at dpw.dc.gov.

Volunteer Opportunities

Serve DC continues to seek volunteers to help clear sidewalks for neighbors in need during this period of extreme cold.

Sign up: https://servedc.galaxydigital.com/snow-team/
Phone: 202-727-7925

Councilmember Frumin’s office will continue monitoring conditions, sharing information, and advocating for Ward 3 residents as the District responds to the ongoing impacts of the storm and extreme cold.

Winter Storm Response Update (Posted Friday, January 30)

Many Ward 3 residents are continuing to experience icy, unsafe conditions following the recent snowstorm. With freezing temperatures persisting for days, and the unique nature of this mix of snow, sleet, and ice, progress has been slower than anyone would like, and the frustration and anger being expressed by residents is understandable.

Our Constituent Services team and the Councilmember continue to respond to a high volume of calls and emails and are sharing location-specific concerns directly with MOCRS, DPW, DDOT, DGS, and other agencies. We have also been advocating for stronger responses on alleys, sidewalks and bus stops. Please continue to report hazardous conditions through 311 and contact our office with issues in Ward 3 that need attention at (202) 724-8062 or fruminoffice@dccouncil.gov. When you call or email, please include an address or block number so our staff can flag the location for District agencies to better target resources where they are needed.

At the mayor’s press conference today, she suggested the District is trying to move to address alleys at least to access trash, and they will begin to press on sidewalk clearance as well as bus stops, among other issues. While the presentation appears to seek to accentuate the positive in a context in which many are deeply frustrated, it is worthwhile to watch the press conference on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qalC1mQktfM) to hear about the specific initiatives they are undertaking.

We recognize the enormous challenge the Administration faces with the response to this very difficult storm. That said, we know and they know, we must do better still. We will continue to press on both the specific issues and bigger picture ones.

The information below reflects the latest updates as of Friday afternoon, January 30.

What Ward 3 Residents Are Experiencing

Residents across Ward 3 have reported:

Streets that remain icy or difficult to navigate, even after being plowed
Side streets where snowbanks block access to major roads
Ongoing problems at intersections, crosswalks, and bus stops
Alleys that are impassable, affecting trash collection and mobility
Stretches of uncleared sidewalks

How the Ward 3 Office Is Advocating for Residents

Councilmember Frumin’s Constituent Services team has been working throughout the storm response to elevate Ward 3–specific concerns to District agencies and to follow up on issues raised by residents.

Since the storm, the office has received and responded to nearly 200 calls and emails from Ward 3 residents reporting from around 50 locations across Ward 3 including icy streets, blocked side-street exits, unsafe intersections, transit access issues, and alley conditions affecting trash collection. Each report is logged, shared with the appropriate agency, and tracked for follow-up.

Constituent Services staff have been in regular contact with MOCRS, DPW, DDOT, DGS, and other agencies to:

Flag locations in Ward 3 that remain hazardous after initial clearing
Request follow-up inspections where conditions persist
Share patterns of concern across neighborhoods, not just individual complaints
Advocate for attention to high-use areas such as bus stops, corners, and crosswalks

While much of this work happens case by case, the office is also using resident feedback to identify broader issues affecting Ward 3 and raise them in ongoing conversations with agency leadership. Constituent Services staff have been leading this work and remain in direct contact with residents as conditions evolve.

Councilmember Frumin’s office understands the level of frustration residents are experiencing and will continue to press for progress while keeping the community informed.

What the District Is Doing Now

Roads and Snow Removal

The District has moved beyond standard plowing and is now conducting large-scale hauling operations to address compacted snow and ice that cannot be removed by plows alone.

Roads were salted in advance of the storm, with about 250 city plows and 130 contractor plows deployed.
Crews are now hauling snow and ice off roadways, particularly where lanes remain narrowed or icy.
Additional contractors and heavy equipment have been added to speed removal.
Snow is being hauled to RFK Stadium, UMC, and a newly opened Northwest location.
Major corridors, including Connecticut and Wisconsin avenues, are a focus of hauling operations.
DPW and DDOT are using resident reports and ward-level information to identify roads needing further attention.

Alleys and Trash Collection

Alleys remain among the most difficult areas to address.

Alley work is focused on restoring trash access; the city does not dig out parked vehicles.
DPW is deploying additional sanitation equipment, including bobcats, to clear paths so trash cans can be moved to collection trucks.
This work may occur overnight and can be labor-intensive.

Trash Collection Updates

Public litter cans and CityCans are being emptied twice every 24 hours.
For residents that typically have trash collected in from in front of their homes, trash and recycling collection will occur this weekend to make up for missed service:
- Monday routes collected Saturday
- Tuesday routes collected Sunday
- Trash and recycling shoudl be placed out front by 6 a.m.
Alley-side collection is expected to resume for Monday and Tuesday routes if conditions allow; more information is expected Sunday evening.

Transit and Access

District agencies continue working to restore safe access to bus routes, bus stops, corners, and crosswalks. The National Guard has received approval to support clearing pathways to and from bus stops.
According to DDOT, nearly 500 bus stops have been cleared, with additional work underway.
Approximately 75% of snow shelters have been cleared.
An updated bike lane clearing map is expected early next week.

Schools and Public Facilities

Entrances and parking areas at all public schools have been cleared.
Additional salting and clearing will continue through the weekend.
HVAC and pipe issues have been addressed without school or facility closures.
Temporary measures, including heaters or classroom relocations, have been used where needed during repairs.

Sidewalk Responsibilities and Support

Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks and walkways adjacent to their homes or businesses.

Outreach and education on sidewalk responsibilities are ongoing.
Enforcement is expected to begin Monday.
Neighborhood salt pickup locations will be announced soon.

The Mayor had suggested that there would not be enforcement for failure to clear a sidewalk. At her press conference she indicated that enforcement would commence on Monday. Residents who are unable to clear sidewalks due to age or disability are encouraged to contact us with their address so our team can flag the location and request for the DC Volunteer Snow Team.

What Residents Can Do

Sign up for AlertDC emergency notifications at alert.dc.gov for real-time updates.
Continue reporting icy or unsafe conditions through 311, which is used to guide agency response.
Contact the Ward 3 office at (202) 724-8062 or fruminoffice@dccouncil.gov with specific locations that remain problematic. Please provide an address or block number, as well as photos of street conditions, if possible. Residents calling the office are encouraged to leave a voicemail that includes the address or nearest cross street of the location. These messages are reviewed regularly, including over the weekend, and are added to the list being shared with District agencies.

Looking Ahead

Temperatures may begin to improve early next week, which would help conditions improve more quickly. Forecasts currently show a possible storm this weekend, though it is anticipated to miss the District to the south and east.

Councilmember Frumin’s office will continue pressing for attention to Ward 3 roadways and facilities and will share updates as conditions change.

Winter Storm Response Update (Posted Wednesday, January 28):

The recent snowstorm, combined with several days of extremely cold temperatures, has created ongoing icy and dangerous conditions across the District. We understand how frustrating this has been for Ward 3 residents and want to share the latest information on response efforts, what to expect, and how you can get help.

Current Conditions

Temperatures remain well below freezing, with highs in the mid-20s and overnight lows in the single digits
Snow and ice are refreezing overnight, making cleanup slower and more difficult
Sunny skies are helping during the day, but progress is limited by persistent cold

What the District Is Doing

Street Clearing & Ice Removal

Approximately 280 plows are deployed each shift
Crews are now in a quality assurance phase, reviewing areas that remain unsafe
Heavy construction equipment has been brought in to break up compacted snow and ice that plows cannot remove
90 dump trucks and 30 pieces of heavy equipment are being used to physically remove snow
Snow is being hauled to RFK Stadium Parking Lot 6
Priority areas include:
- Streets adjacent to major roads
- Side streets where snowbanks are blocking safe access onto main roads

Additional salt is being applied throughout the city, including by smaller trucks where plows are not effective.

Alleys

Many alleys were salted before the storm
Most plows cannot safely fit into alleys
DPW is exploring alternative approaches (such as deploying leaf crews)
Many alleys may remain difficult or impassable until next week
DPW is working on solutions to maintain trash collection access

Transit, Schools & Government Buildings

Transit

Metrorail is operating on a weekend schedule
Metrobus service is expanding routes throughout the day
Service updates are posted in real time on WMATA’s website
700+ bus stops have been cleared, with additional contractors added to speed progress

Schools & Government Buildings

Nearly all schools have received a second clearing pass
Government buildings are also receiving second passes
Decisions on school operations are announced by 5:00 PM

Community Safety & Services

Power outages have been minimal
Grocery stores are restocking; supply chains remain intact
Recent water main breaks have been resolved
60 DPR sites are open to the community, including for unhoused residents
7 warming buses are operating across the city, including at Union Station and along MLK Avenue

What Residents Can Do

Report Dangerous Conditions

Please continue reporting untreated or icy streets through 311. These reports are used to create heat maps that help District agencies prioritize crews and equipment.

Sidewalk Responsibilities

Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks, alleys, and entryways adjacent to their homes or businesses.

Help for Seniors & Residents with Disabilities

If you or a neighbor are unable to clear a sidewalk due to age or a health condition, our office can flag the address for the Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services so a Snow Hero volunteer may assist.

Weather Outlook

Cold temperatures are expected to continue through the week, limiting how quickly ice can be removed. There is also a possibility of another storm this weekend, though forecasts should become clearer soon. We will continue to share updates as conditions change. If you have a specific concern in Ward 3, please contact our office or submit a 311 request. Thank you for your patience and for helping keep our community safe.

Weather Update: Snow Emergency and Extreme Cold Continue (Posted Tuesday, January 27)

The Ward 3 office is sharing the following updates for residents as extreme cold and winter weather continue across the District.

School and Government Operations

DC Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 27. Families with children enrolled in public charter schools should check directly with their school for operating updates.
DC Government will open at 10:00 a.m., with agencies encouraged to allow liberal leave due to weather conditions.
DC Public Library locations open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. include:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
- Mt. Pleasant Library
- Tenley-Friendship Library
- Anacostia Library
- Lamond-Riggs / Lillian J. Huff Library
- Woodbridge Library
- Dorothy I. Height / Benning Library
- Southwest Library

Residents should check individual District agency websites for any additional schedule or service adjustments.

Trash and Recycling

Household trash, recycling, and food waste collection will be suspended on Tuesday, January 27.
The Department of Public Works will announce an updated collection schedule in the coming days.

Snow Emergency and Parking Restrictions

The Snow Emergency remains in effect through Wednesday, January 28 at 9:30 a.m.
Parking is prohibited on snow emergency routes during this period, and vehicles may be towed.
Snow emergency route maps are available at snow.dc.gov.
To locate a towed vehicle, residents can call 202-541-6083 or visit DPW’s booting and impoundment webpage.

Extreme Cold Alert and Shelter Resources

An Extreme Cold Alert remains in effect, and the District has opened Hypothermia Shelters to provide warm, safe spaces for residents experiencing homelessness.

Residents are encouraged to help neighbors in need by calling the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or 311 to request free, accessible transportation to shelter. In case of a medical emergency, call 911.

Information about shelters and hypothermia season is available at cold.dc.gov.

Snow Clearing and Safety

The District’s snow team remains in full deployment, treating major roadways, bridges, and residential streets.
The Department of General Services continues clearing sidewalks, entrances, and walkways at public facilities.
Residential and commercial property owners are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks unless enrolled in the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program.

The DC Volunteer Snow Team is assisting seniors and residents with access and functional needs by clearing walkways.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Stay indoors when possible and limit time outside.
Cover exposed skin and dress in layers.
Check on neighbors, especially older adults, young children, and individuals with disabilities.
For animal emergencies, including pets left outside, call 202-888-PETS.

Utilities and Infrastructure

Report power outages or downed power lines to Pepco at 1-877-737-2662. Never touch or approach fallen lines.
To prevent frozen pipes:
- Drip faucets during extreme cold
- Open under-sink cabinets
Report water service issues to DC Water at 202-612-3400.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertDC emergency notifications at alert.dc.gov for real-time updates.

Winter Storm Update (Posted Monday, Jan 26, 2026):

Weather & Service Update

Due to ongoing snow and extreme cold conditions, DC Government is operating in a modified posture today. Below is a comprehensive summary of what residents, especially Ward 3 neighbors, need to know about closures, available services, and safety resources.

Snow Emergency & Extreme Cold

The Snow Emergency remains in effect through Tuesday, January 27 at 9:30 am
Parking is prohibited on Snow Emergency Routes; vehicles may be ticketed and towed
All residents are urged to limit travel, check on neighbors, and take precautions against extreme cold

Snow Emergency Route Map & Updates: https://snow.dc.gov

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Shelter & Cold Weather Support

An Extreme Cold Alert remains in effect. The District has expanded shelter capacity and transportation.

Shelter Hotline (24/7)

Call 202-399-7093 or 311 to request free, accessible transportation to shelter for yourself or someone else
This line should also be used to help neighbors experiencing homelessness

Shelter locations and hypothermia season resources: https://cold.dc.gov

DC Government Operations (Monday, January 26)

Essential employees report as scheduled
Non-essential employees telework if possible
Most non-essential, in-person government services are closed

Trash, Recycling & Snow Clearing

No trash, recycling, or food waste collection today
Service delays may continue this week due to snow and ice in alleys
Leaf collection remains suspended

Snow clearing is ongoing across roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, and DC government properties.

Residents are asked to wait 8 hours after the end of the storm before submitting snow-removal requests through 311.

Sidewalk & Property Responsibilities

Residential and commercial property owners must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 8 daylight hours after the storm ends
This is critical for pedestrian safety, especially for seniors and residents with disabilities

Volunteer to help neighbors: https://serve.dc.gov

What’s Closed Today

All DC Public Library locations
DPR recreation centers, community centers, aquatic centers, and offices
Department of Aging and Community Living senior programs, wellness centers, and dining sites
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations
Department of Human Services Service Centers and EBT Card Distribution Offices (call center remains open)
Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (in-person services closed; phone assistance available at 202-526-0017)
DC Health & Wellness Center (77 P Street NE)
DC Health Vital Records and Licensing offices (online services remain available)
DOES Navigation Call Center and American Job Centers

Mental Health & Crisis Support (24/7)

Call or text 988 for free, confidential mental health or substance-use crisis support

Additional 24/7 services remain available, including emergency psychiatric care, stabilization services, and mobile crisis response.

Transportation & Parking

Parking enforcement is suspended except for Snow Emergency Routes
Non-emergency DDOT construction and work zones are suspended
Reversible lanes are suspended on select corridors
DC Streetcar is not operating

Utilities & Home Safety

Power Outages & Downed Lines

Never touch or approach downed power lines
Report outages or fallen lines to Pepco: 1-877-737-2662

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Let faucets drip
Open under-sink cabinets
Report water issues to DC Water: 202-612-3400

Animal Emergencies

For animals left outside or in distress due to extreme cold, call:

Brandywine Valley SPCA – 202-888-PETS

Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to sign up for real-time emergency alerts via AlertDC: https://alert.dc.gov

Please check back for updates as conditions change. Thank you for looking out for one another and helping keep Ward 3 safe.

Winter Storm Preparedness (Posted Friday, Jan. 23, 2026):

The Office of Councilmember Frumin is urging residents to prepare for a major winter storm expected to impact the District beginning Saturday afternoon, January 24, and continuing through Monday, January 26. A State of Emergency and Snow Emergency are in effect. Forecasts project significant snowfall, freezing rain making roads hazardous, and dangerously cold temperatures.

Ahead of this weekend’s winter weather, the District has activated its full snow response, including more than 300 plows, emergency shelter expansions, and support for first responders. DC’s Shelter Hotline and street outreach teams are actively conducting wellness checks, distributing warming items, and transporting residents to shelters and day centers across the city. Residents can sign up for AlertDC notifications to get the latest official updates. Find more information on snow response at snow.dc.gov.

As dangerous cold weather continues, we urge residents to help connect neighbors to safety. Shelter space is available for anyone who needs it. If you see someone in need of a warm place, please call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 for free transportation to a safe, warm space. Visit cold.dc.gov for up-to-date shelter information and cold weather resources.

During this period, parking is prohibited on Snow Emergency Routes beginning at noon Saturday. Vehicles remaining on these routes may be ticketed or towed. Residents can view route maps and plowing updates at snow.dc.gov.

Homeowners who are 65 or older, and residents with disabilities may get help with shoveling snow from Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team. Go to snowteam.dc.gov or call Serve DC at 202-727-7925 to sign up for the program. Sign up is open until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24.

Residents are also encouraged to: