DC, Maryland, Virginia road conditions: What to know with more snow on the way
WASHINGTON - Snow began falling across the DMV Sunday night and into Monday morning, bringing anywhere from two to eight inches to some areas.
It made for a messy morning commute for anyone who had to be on the road but officials across the area are continuing to advise drivers to avoid traveling if possible.
Those warnings are continuing with more snowfall expected throughout the day – starting right around evening rush hour – before the precipitation ends tonight.
Officials say that roads, both untreated and primary, may become impassable so any non-essential travel is strongly discouraged.
If you're going to travel, it is recommended to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Residents are urged to stay informed and consider delaying all travel until conditions improve.
Snowfall estimates for D.C., Maryland and Virginia
D.C. road conditions
Police have reported several accidents and instances of cars getting stuck across the District.
Several vehicles were reported stuck at the DC I-295 / I-695 WB split.The H Street bridge located in the 100 Block of H Street, NE behind Union Station is also shutdown due to the multiple vehicles stuck in the snow.
The D.C. Department of Transportation is continuing to urge drivers to stay off of the roads as conditions will remain hazardous throughout Monday.
They are also reminding drivers that cars cannot be parked on snow emergency routes or they will be towed and relocated. Click here for the map of snow emergency routes.
On top of the winter weather, there are several road closures as the nation's capital prepares for the arrival of former President Jimmy Carter as his official state funeral services and ceremonies begin Tuesday.
Some of those road closures include:
- 3rd St NW btw Constitution Ave NW & Indiana Ave NW
- 7th St btw Constitution Ave NW & Independence Ave SW
- NB 7th St NW at Pennsylvania Ave NW
Closures are subject to change. Check with DC Traffic Police and DDOT DC for the latest updates.
Metrobus is operating under a Severe Snow Plan. The plan affects 42 of the193 bus routes, with the possibility of further service adjustments based on changing road conditions, the transit agency says.
Metrorail service is expected to open as scheduled. MetroAccess customers have been notified and encouraged to adjust their travel plans.
Maryland road conditions
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency for Maryland due to the severe winter weather.
The state Department of Transportation said since 1 a.m., state troopers responded to 475 calls for service, including 123 reported crashes and 156 stranded vehicles.
You can find up-to-date incident reports here.
MD DOT says all Maryland counties have Snow Emergency Plans in effect.
Officials continue to urge Maryland residents to stay home if possible and avoid any type of unnecessary travel as crews are working to clear the roads.
They say if you must travel, leave early and don’t pass snowplows. You can find a live map of the state highway crews working on Maryland roads right here.
There is no MARC Train service on Monday – all three lines have been suspended.
Follow @GovWesMoore ,@MarylandDOT ,@MDMEMA and @MDSP for statewide alerts. Follow @MDSHA and @TheMDTA for more on road conditions.
Virginia road conditions
The Virginia Department of Transportation is advising drivers not to travel in parts of the state as treacherous conditions are expected across Northern Virginia, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg and parts of Central Virginia.
Travel is not recommended through the rest of the Commonwealth as a mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow will also cause hazardous driving conditions.
Low temperatures throughout the week are expected to cause re-freeze and additional challenges for removal operations and driving conditions.
VDOT says they expect the storm will produce conditions that will require multi-day operations to make roadways passable and snow removal operations will take time, and safety for crews and the traveling public is paramount.
They say the fewer cars on the road the better to keep everyone safe and allow crews to clear the snow in a safer and more effective manner.