Hello Neighbors:

Thank you for being so patient as the District continues to dig out from this challenging storm. I've been working with Council colleagues to elevate issues we are hearing out in the community. There is no doubt that this was one of the most challenging snow events I've seen as Councilmember, with the particular mix of snow, sleet and sub-freezing weather. Where my colleagues and I have been most vocal with the Mayor's team is the lack of clear communication to the public about what to expect.

As chair of the committee with oversight of DPW, I have been in regular contact with them and the Mayor’s team on both the snow response and what happens next with trash, recycling, and food waste. This afternoon, my Council colleagues and I spoke with the City Administrator and members of the District Snow Team.

Here is what I know about our current status:

The snow emergency has been extended until 9:30 am Thursday. The mix of snow, sleet, and sub-freezing temperatures has made residential blocks in particular challenging to clear. This has resulted in many light plows (the pick-up trucks that treat smaller streets) breaking, and while DPW continues to contract more each day, it’s taking longer than expected. D.C. has also contracted over 100 dump trucks and other heavy construction equipment to break up snow and ice, and in some cases move it out to the RFK site to clear space. While most main roads are now passable, 280 plows are working around the clock to clear side streets and streets in residential areas. You may see light plows driving without plowing. They cannot handle the density of snow and ice right now, but as they are driving around, they are salting roads. Many of you have observed that the plow tracker is not accurate. I know that’s super frustrating and it’s one of the things we will dig into more during my committee’s oversight hearing with DPW in a couple of weeks.

We’ve received many questions about alleys. Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks, entryways, and alleys. The District does not have the equipment to clear alleys, many of which are too small for the big trucks. In fact, at the beginning of the storm DPW tried to do some alley clearing to be better prepared for trash collection and they found out quickly that it was too treacherous to try with their plows. If you see neighbors in need of help, please help them shovel! Seniors and residents with access and functional needs are eligible to have a volunteer Snow Hero deployed to shovel for them. The Snow Hero team is expected to be out throughout the city tomorrow to assist those signed up for the program, now with metal shovels and ice picks, as the plastic shovels are not effective with all the ice. Thanks to everyone who diligently shoveled your own walks and have assisted others.

Trash, recycling, and food waste collection is currently suspended. DPW is exploring creative ways to resume collection as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates will be posted to the DPW website.

Metrorail is operating on a weekend schedule and the number of bus routes running continues to increase. Live updates are available on WMATA’s website.

The mayor will announce a decision before 5 pm today on whether to open DC Public Schools tomorrow.

Please continue to flag streets that need attention to 311 or to our office. The information provided will be inputted into a heat map by the Snow Team and used to plan routes and the most efficient use of resources.

I know that residents are frustrated. I want you to know that we are in this together. Clear communication is important, and I am in constant contact with the executive to get answers as we work to get back up and running as quickly as possible. I will update you further as I learn more information about next steps.

Above all else, please be safe. Do not try to drive your vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary. This is not a typical snowstorm, and the substance on our roads is dense and difficult to navigate.