DC Snow Emergency Routes
Parking During a Snow Emergency
Snow Emergency Routes (SERs) are indicated by red and white signs posted along the District’s larger commercial streets. Generally, SERs are our rush hour streets.
Motorists may not park on snow emergency routes while the emergency is in effect to allow snowplow drivers to clear these streets curb-to-curb. Their vehicles are subject to being ticketed and towed. To learn where a vehicle has been towed, call the Towed Vehicle Locator office at (202) 541-6083 or go to https://dpw.dc.gov/page/booting-and-impoundment
The snow emergency will remain in effect until an announcement is made that it has been lifted. Motorists are asked to tune into television and radio broadcast stations or go to snow.dc.gov for a notice that the snow emergency has been lifted.
Useful tips:
If a snow emergency is declared, DO NOT park your car on Snow Emergency Routes (SERs).
Red and white Snow Emergency Route signs generally are posted higher on the pole than the other signs, so look up to the top of the pole to make sure you are parked legally.
Parking is banned on these routes to allow unimpeded curb-to-curb salting or plowing.
To locate a towed vehicle, please call (202) 541-6083.
If Your Car Is Towed
Vehicles ticketed for a snow emergency violation and towed by DPW will be taken to the DPW Impound Lot at 5001 Shepherd Parkway, SW 20032. The lot is open weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm, and the telephone number is (202) 645-5500. The lot is closed on weekends, holidays, and when the DC government is closed. Vehicles may also be towed by private towing companies, and vehicle owners can learn where their vehicle has been towed by calling the Towed Vehicle Locator office at (202) 541-6083. To have an impounded vehicle released, these fees must be paid before the vehicle will be released:
- $250 ticket for the snow emergency violation.
- $100 tow fee.
- $20 per day storage fee.
Additional fees also may be required to be paid, e.g., fees for tickets older than 60 days that have not been entered into the adjudication system.
These fees may be paid at the impound lot by bank debit card, credit card (Mastercard, Visa, and Discover) or online through the Department of Motor Vehicles website -- dmv.dc.gov/.
All DC Public Library locations will be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25 due to the impending inclement weather. Residents may visit the library online at https://www.dclibrary.org/
DPW Service Level
*Snow Emergency will go into effect Saturday, January 24th at 12 PM. All vehicles should be removed from Snow Emergency Routes to avoid ticketing or relocation*
Leaf Collection Update:
Leaf Collection has been suspended until further notice due to the winter weather event.
Holiday Tree and Greenery Collection:
Holiday Tree and Greenery has been suspended until further notice due to the winter weather event.
Trash and Recycling Collection Delays:
Residents may experience trash and recycling collection delays next week due to the winter weather event.
Food Waste Collection Program & Food Waste Drop-Off Sites:
Winter Weather Updates:
We are monitoring the forecast for this weekend's winter storm. Due to the anticipated heavy snowfall and very low temperatures, food waste collection and drop-off services will be impacted. We anticipate the weekend food waste drop-off events that occur on Saturday (January 24th) will remain open, but the Sunday locations (January 25th) have announced they will be closed. Please continue to check this webpage for updates: https://zerowaste.dc.gov/foodwastedropoff
Confirmed Weekend Food Waste Drop-off Event Closures:
All four Sunday food waste drop-off events (Trinidad Farmers Market, Bloomingdale Farmers Market, Dupont Circle Farmers Market, and Palisades Farmers Market) are CLOSED on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
Notices to DPW Food Waste Smart Bin Users:
- Please prioritize visiting your local Food Waste Smart Bin on Friday or Saturday morning to avoid dropping off compostable materials during the winter storm.
- Please do not make smart bin drop-offs after 3 pm on Saturday to allow for crews to collect and get off the roads by the time the snow starts. Dangerous road conditions and snowbanks make it difficult for crews to collect from smart bins.
- If a smart bin is full or the lid cannot be opened due to accumulated snow and ice, do not drop off materials; take them back home and store them in your freezer until roads are passable (and therefore smart bins are serviceable).
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Pepco Preparing to Support Customers Ahead of This Weekend’s Winter Weather
Please find below a press release outlining Pepco’s preparation ahead of the winter weather expected this weekend across the District of Columbia and Maryland. The release highlights proactive steps Pepco is taking to support customers before, during, and after the storm, including increased staffing, safety guidance, outage reporting options, and restoration priorities.
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DC WATER Prepares Crews and Equipment to Respond to Water Emergencies Ahead of Major Winter Storm |
 
Metro Snow Preparation Plans and Potential Service Impacts
As the region braces for severe weather, Metro shares snow prep plans and potential service impacts
Metro is preparing for winter weather this weekend with up to 10 inches or more of snow forecasted across the region. Crews from Facilities and Maintenance to Operations are preparing equipment and supplies to get ready for potential impacts.
Metro makes every effort to maintain as much service as possible during weather events, but heavy snow may delay or completely suspend bus, rail, and Metro Access service. Every storm presents unique challenges, and service adjustments will be made with several factors being considered in addition to the rate of snowfall and total inches of snow.
“Our team has been in full prep mode for this storm by staging equipment, supplies, and personnel,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “We will provide as much service as safe conditions allow, but customers should stay tuned to Metro’s website and social channels and be prepared for possible service adjustments as conditions change.”
Winter travel tips
- Travel only if necessary, as snow and ice may create hazardous conditions, delays, suspensions, and increased wait time.
- Before you start your trip, visit wmata.com to find out if Metro is serving your area so you’re not stranded after leaving home. Download the MetroPulse app for real-time bus arrivals.
- Dress warmly with added clothing layers and consider wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves. You may be outside longer than normal.
- If snow is blocking the curb, wait on the sidewalk. Do not wait in the street for the bus.
- Use extreme caution when walking on exposed surfaces, including parking lots and station platforms. Never run for a bus or train.
- Hold on to railing when using stairs and escalators.
- Report any unsafe conditions to a Metro employee, or call 202-GO-METRO, or report it online.
- Customers can find additional frequently asked questions at wmata.com/weather.
Stay up to date with the latest information.
Metro Rail
Metro Rail can operate on a normal schedule with some snow. However, service may be delayed or suspended in extreme conditions.
Metro Bus
During snow events, the status of bus route will be updated in real-time at wmata.com/snow. Each route listed will show Regular Service, Snow Detour, or Temporarily Suspended. The heavier the snow, the more detours and temporary suspensions are possible.
In December, we announced a new way we are restoring bus service during and after snow events. In prior years, Metro had four service levels (Light, Moderate, Severe, and Lifeline), which required a set number of routes to be passable before restoring service at the next level.
In an effort to restore service as quickly as possible, routes are now restored on an individual basis as soon as the streets are passable.
Metro Access
Metro Access operates during inclement weather, but service may be modified throughout the day as road and walkway conditions deteriorate. If conditions become unsafe, Metro Access may transition from door-to-door operations and move to curb-to-curb operations and fully suspend service if conditions warrant until it is safe to resume regular service.
Metro Access customers will receive robocalls and text messages regarding service.
Metro equipment and resources available
- 23,000 bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms
- 116 snow brushes
- 114 tractors
- 96 snow blowers
- 85 trucks with plows
- 18 larger trucks
- 9 salt domes with 300+ tons of bulk salt
- About 2,800 employees will be working throughout the storm
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*Sign up to receive the complete Ward 4 Dispatch from Councilmember Janeese Lewis George.
Ward 4 Budget Forum Set for February 10th
On Tuesday, February 10th at 2pm and 7pm, I am hosting virtual budget forums to hear neighbors' priorities for the upcoming FY27 budget process. This is your opportunity to speak about programs and projects that need funding and help guide my work advocating for Ward 4. Stay tuned for next week's newsletter for more details and how to sign up!
Melt ICE Cookie Crawl
This Saturday and Sunday, three of our amazing Petworth small businesses—Loyalty Books, Lulabelle's Sweet Shop, and Fia's Fabulous Finds—are organizing a special Melt ICE Fundraiser and Cookie Crawl. Make a purchase at any of the stores and get a free cookie while supporting Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network.
Gethsemane Baptist Church Clothing & School Supply Giveaway
On Saturday, January 31st from 11am to 2pm, Gethsemane Baptist Church (5119 4th St NW) is hosting a Winter Clothing and School Supply Giveaway. There will be women's, men's, and children's clothing, coats and jackets, career wear, backpacks, and school supplies for Ward 4 residents in need. Please share with a neighbor!
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
In August, my office launched an online reporting form for neighbors to report and document any concerning incidents involving federal agents. This information will be critical as we build our case, ensure organizations working on the ground are informed, and continue to hold this administration accountable. Please share the image with your social networks and neighbors to let others in the community know about this resource.
As our DC government works to keep our community safe, supported, and informed during this time, I also encourage neighbors to fill out my survey seeking input from residents to help shape how our office communicates around new federal developments.
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Health Insurance Literacy Town Hall Summary
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Empowerment through Understanding: Webinar aimed to help participants use health insurance smartly for mental health services and coverage.
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Mental Health Literacy Impact: Early treatment reduces recovery time and costs; understanding insurance aids mental health and financial management.
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Provider Spectrum Awareness: A range of mental health services and providers, including counselors and psychiatrists, supports informed care choices.
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Strategic Insurance Use: Knowing covered services, reviewing documentation, and opting for in-network providers helps minimize costs for consumers.
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Consumer Vigilance: Carrying insurance cards and regularly reviewing EOB statements protects against billing errors and fraud.
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Interactive Learning Approach: Quizzes and discussions engaged participants, enhancing understanding and boosting knowledge application effectively.
Health Insurance Literacy for Mental Health Care
The webinar focused on empowering participants to use health insurance smartly for mental health services by understanding coverage, costs, and provider choices.
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Dr. Jesse Ketterman emphasized that early treatment of mental health issues reduces recovery time and costs while preventing crises and work or school absences (10:17).
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Mental health insurance literacy helps manage both health and finances effectively.
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The Health Insurance Literacy Initiative targets reducing confusion around insurance terms and benefits.
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Understanding policy details directly supports better mental health outcomes and cost control.
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DC Health Link and University of Maryland Extension provide ongoing resources and assistance.
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Mia Russell introduced a case study of Kimani, who navigated a workplace insurance change and mental health stressors by reviewing coverage and seeking care (08:25).
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Kimani’s smart actions included reviewing evidence of coverage and understanding copays and visit limits.
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The case illustrated practical steps consumers can take, like checking in-network providers and cost planning.
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The interactive quiz reinforced knowledge of key insurance terms like premium, copayment, deductible, and coinsurance.
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The session offered a glossary and helpline to clarify unfamiliar insurance terms.
Mental Health Services Spectrum and Provider Types
The presentation clarified the range of mental health services and types of providers to guide informed decisions on care options.
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Dr. Ketterman outlined a spectrum from self-care and peer support to inpatient hospitalization, highlighting options like health coaching, group therapy, and family counseling ( 19:38).
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Different providers include primary care doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, crisis counselors, and certified peer specialists.
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Understanding provider roles helps consumers select appropriate care and navigate referrals.
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This knowledge supports managing mental health proactively to avoid long wait times and worsening conditions.
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Access challenges in rural areas, like western Maryland, underscore the need for early service seeking.
Smart Actions to Use Health Insurance Effectively
Key strategic steps were presented to help consumers maximize insurance benefits and minimize costs for mental health care.
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Knowing what mental health services are covered and how costs are structured is essential for managing expenses (29:50).
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Reviewing the evidence of coverage document clarifies plan benefits, copays, deductibles, and in-network options.
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Choosing in-network providers lowers costs, but going out-of-network may be necessary for shorter wait times or specialized care despite higher costs.
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Understanding the billing dispute process is important in case of errors or medical ID theft.
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Utilizing alternative cost coverage options like health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), sliding scale fees, community free services, and employee assistance programs (EAPs) can bridge gaps.
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Kimani’s case demonstrated applying these actions, such as calling the insurer for provider lists and HR for workplace resources, including EAP and HSA enrollment plans (43:42).
Insurance Documentation and Consumer Vigilance
Carrying proof of insurance and reviewing billing statements are critical steps consumers must take to ensure correct coverage and avoid fraud.
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Carrying the insurance card at all times provides immediate access to policy info for providers and contains contact numbers for questions or disputes (42:27).
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The explanation of benefits (EOB) document should be reviewed monthly for accuracy of services billed and payments made ( 36:31).
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Errors on EOBs may indicate billing mistakes or medical identity theft, requiring prompt dispute.
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These practices protect consumers financially and support smooth insurance use.
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The webinar repeatedly stressed these vigilance steps as part of becoming a smart insurance user, supported by resources from DC Health Link and University of Maryland Extension (51:59).
Engagement and Resource Accessibility
The interactive webinar format, with quizzes and chat participation, enhanced understanding and engagement.
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The “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” style quiz helped participants grasp insurance terms and apply knowledge actively ( 14:28).
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Participants tracked earnings tied to correct answers, reinforcing learning in an enjoyable way.
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The chat function enabled sharing ideas and questions, deepening the conversation.
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Post-webinar surveys were used to gauge effectiveness and improve future programs ( 55:06).
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Follow-up support was offered via email contacts for personalized questions, ensuring ongoing assistance beyond the session.
 
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Kansas Ave NW Construction Project Update
Please find attached to this email a project and construction update for the Kansas Ave NW Protected Bike Lane Project. The attached letter will be posted to the project website on Monday (1/26/2026) at https://bikelanes.ddot.dc.gov/pages/kansas-ave-nw
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