SchoolCast and FedCast for Jan. 16, 2024, snowstorm
With two straight winters with hardly any frozen precipitation, snow days in the Washington region have been few and far between. But the combination of snow and falling temperatures Monday night means the high likelihood of school closures and delays Tuesday morning. And federal workers may see some changes to operating procedures as well.
Our team of forecasters at the Capital Weather Gang is expecting about 2 inches of snow falling by the pre-dawn hours Tuesday. The snow, combined with temperatures in the 20s, will result in untreated roads becoming snow-covered and slick.
Here’s how we predict this inclement weather will affect decisions from school superintendents and the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
SchoolCast
Put simply, we think most schools in the region will close. Although precipitation should end early enough for crews to start treating primary roads early Tuesday morning, it’s improbable that they’ll reach secondary and side roads in time to make them safe and passable for the morning commute. At least a delay is pretty much inevitable for all school systems, but closings seem to be the most likely outcome.
D.C. Public Schools is the wild card. Historically, the bar has been much higher for its schools to close, because many students walk or take public transit rather than drive. That said, the school system has closed for less snow than it used to in recent years. We lean toward a delay for DCPS but wouldn’t be surprised if it shut down for the day.
FedCast
For the federal government to close, you typically need a highly disruptive, crippling winter storm. Monday night’s storm is not that. That said, with most school systems probably closing, OPM should give workers the flexibility to take an unscheduled day of leave or to telework (for those who don’t already have that option). We could also see a delayed opening to give crews a chance to clear roads and reduce the traffic volume during the early commuting hours.
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