Extreme Cold Alert Issued in D.C. as Snow Forecasts Loom

UPDATE: An Extreme Cold Alert has been issued for the District of Columbia by Mayor Muriel Bowser effective today, December 4, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. This alert will remain in place until December 5 at 9:00 a.m. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions as significant winter weather is on the horizon.

Beginning at 7:00 p.m. tonight, the District Snow Team will deploy pre-treatment brining operations for the National Highway System, transitioning to salting all major roadways and elevated structures starting at midnight. The National Weather Service warns that snow is expected to start between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, with steady snowfall anticipated from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Snow accumulations could reach an inch or more, with a tapering off expected between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Overnight temperatures will plunge to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, factoring in wind chill, making the conditions hazardous.

Authorities emphasize that due to the combination of low temperatures and possible ice, pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists should limit outdoor exposure and exercise caution while traveling. The urgency of this alert highlights the need for residents to prepare for potentially dangerous conditions.

Stay tuned for further updates as the weather develops. Residents are encouraged to check local news sources and the National Weather Service for the latest information.