Washington, D.C
Philadelphia, New Jersey winter weather checklist: How to prepare for snow and ice this weekend
WASHINGTON, D.C. – With snow and a surge of Arctic air expected to bring winter weather to the Washington, D.C. region and surrounding areas this weekend, forecasters and emergency officials are urging residents to prepare now, from stocking up on essentials to making a plan for travel, school and work disruptions.
What we know:
Weather models show a significant winter storm could impact the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area late Saturday into Sunday, with snow likely falling across the region and very cold temperatures building in behind the system.
This Arctic blast may usher in bitter cold and frigid wind chills, making it feel much colder than the actual air temperature once snow begins and after it ends.
What is the polar vortex? Why it matters as snow and Arctic cold threaten the Northeast
What to stock at home
Officials recommend having enough supplies to last at least several days in case travel becomes difficult, according to the CDC.
That includes:
- Food that does not require refrigeration or cooking
- Drinking water
- Prescription medications and basic first-aid supplies
- Flashlights, batteries and phone chargers
- Blankets, warm clothing and extra layers
- Baby supplies or pet food if needed
It’s also a good idea to make sure you have rock salt or ice melt and a working snow shovel.
20 November 2024, Lower Saxony, Garbsen: An excavator loads road salt onto its shovel. Photo: Alicia Windzio/dpa (Photo by Alicia Windzio/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Travel prep before snow begins
If you need to drive during or after the storm, preparation is critical.
Before snow arrives:
- Fill up your gas tank
- Check windshield wipers, tires and antifreeze
- Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, snacks, water and a flashlight
- Monitor road conditions and weather alerts
Once snow begins, travel can become treacherous quickly, especially on major routes like I-95 and local roads. Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel during and immediately after snowfall.
School and work planning
Snow and icy conditions can lead to delays, early dismissals or closures for schools and some workplaces.
Families are encouraged to:
- Review remote learning or work-from-home plans
- Make childcare arrangements in advance
- Keep an eye on district announcements and employer updates
Planning ahead can help reduce stress if schedules change quickly, according to FEMA.
FILE – A young woman scratches snow and ice from the windscreen of her car. (Carmen Jaspersen/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Stay safe during extreme cold and possible power outages
In addition to snow, dangerously cold temperatures can pose serious health risks, especially if power outages occur.
According to FEMA, extreme cold can increase the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning and house fires, particularly when people rely on alternative heating sources.
Officials recommend:
- Installing and testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home
- Keeping anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters and fireplaces
- Never using an oven, grill or generator to heat your home
- Using generators only outdoors and at least 20 feet away from doors and windows
If the power goes out and indoor temperatures become unsafe, FEMA advises relocating to a heated community space if one is available.
What we don’t know:
The exact total of snow and the duration of impacts depend on the storm’s track and strength. Some models show more snow farther northwest, while others keep totals closer to the I-95 corridor.
Forecasts may change leading up to the event, and officials say conditions can vary widely across the region.
Why you should care:
Even a few inches of snow combined with bitter cold and icy conditions can halt travel, disrupt routines and create hazardous conditions, especially during peak travel times.
Preparing now, before stores become crowded and roads become slick, can help you avoid last-minute stress and stay safe through the storm.
What’s next:
Residents are encouraged to:
- Monitor updated forecasts from the National Weather Service and FOX 5 DC.
- Sign up for weather and emergency alerts
- Follow guidance from local officials as the storm approaches
The Source: This article was written using information from emergency preparedness guidance issued by the CDC, FEMA and local officials.
WASHINGTON (7News) — An early Wednesday morning incident at D.C.’s Metro Center left multiple riders injured after a work vehicle made contact with a Silver Line train just before the end of service.
According to Metro officials, the train was holding at the station when the work vehicle struck the rear car shortly after midnight. Officials said there were 27 customers on board at the time.
Officials say 11 people reported non-life-threatening injuries and that Metro personnel were not seriously injured.
SEE ALSO | Metro’s board to vote on budget that calls for fully automated trains on the Red Line
Passengers who did not report injuries were transferred to another train and continued toward Downtown Largo.
The train involved was the final Silver Line run of the night.
Metro said the incident remains under investigation as crews work to determine the cause.
As of 3:30 a.m., it’s not clear what the potential impacts to the morning service may be.
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Cost of living calculators aren’t always reliable. Try this instead.
Here are a few ways to give you a better idea of how much it may cost you if you’re considering moving to a new city.
Problem Solved
Earning enough to be considered middle class has gotten more expensive, with rising housing and everyday costs pushing the income bar higher, according to a recent report from GOBankingRates.
The median range for middle-class income across the country is between $59,000 and $104,000 in 2026, depending on which state you live in. GOBanking Rates used Pew Research Center’s definition of middle class — income ranging from two-thirds to twice a state’s median household income — and added data from the U.S. Census Bureau to report lowest middle-income, highest middle-class income and median income for each state, including Maryland and Virginia, and Washington D.C.
The current national middle-class minimum of $59,000 would have declared you middle class a decade ago in the U.S. In 2016, earning $39,000 placed a household at the lower edge of the middle class — and in regions like DC, MD and VA, median incomes were already far higher than the national median, so the “middle-class floor” was much higher than $39,000 even then.
In the DC region, the income required to be considered middle class is significantly higher than nationally, with the threshold starting around $61,000 in Virginia and nearly $69,000 in Maryland — compared with about $47,000 nationwide, GOBankingRates data shows. To be considered middle class in Washington DC, you’d have to earn at least $70,200. GoBankingRates omitted DC from their report; however, using the same formula and same US Census data cited, USA TODAY Network was able to calculate the low, high and median middle class income ranges. Here’s what the report shows and what we found for middle-class consideration in 2026.
What is middle class in Washington DC?
The middle class is a socioeconomic group in the U.S. that falls between the working class and upper class, earning around the middle of the income distribution for where they live. Middle class households often are able to cover their bills, rely on loans to buy homes or cars, and occasionally eat out or vacation, but not without careful budgeting, according to Investopedia.
Washington DC’s middle-class income in 2024 (the most recent year available from Census data) was between $70,200 and $209,600. GoBankingRates omitted DC middle-class data; however, USA TODAY Network used the same calculation, using the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and the Pew Research Center’s benchmark definition of middle class. Here is the breakdown for middle-class in Washington DC:
- Median household income: $104,800
- Lowest end of middle-class income: $70,200
- Highest end of middle-class income: $209,600
Due to the region’s high cost of living, Washington DC’s middle-class median income surpasses not only the U.S. median, but it’s neighbors in Delaware, Virginia and Maryland. It also slightly surpasses the median middle-class income of New Jersey.
What is middle class in Virginia?
In Virginia, the income needed to be considered middle class starts at about $61,400 and can range up to roughly $184,200, according to GOBankingRates. That is based on Pew Research Center’s definition — two-thirds to twice the median household income. Here’s the breakdown of Virginia’s middle-class income as reported in 2026 using the latest Census data available from 2024:
- Median household income: $92,090
- Lowest end of middle-class income: $61,393
- Highest end of middle-class income: $184,180
What is middle class in Maryland?
To be considered middle-class in Maryland, the income required starts at about $68,600 and can extend up to roughly $205,800, according to GOBankingRates, which used the latest 2024 U.S. Census Bureau data available in their 2026 report.
For many Maryland households, especially in the DC suburbs, earning what sounds like a solid income does not always translate into financial comfort once housing, childcare and community costs are factored in: Maryland housing costs (rent and home prices) are well above national averages, according to Zillow market trends, and commuting costs for DC-area workers are among the longest and costliest, Census data shows. Maryland also consistently ranks among the most expensive states for childcare, often surpassing $15,000 per year per child, according to a Care.com 2024 Cost of Care report.
Highest middle-class incomes in the US
- Massachusetts income range: $69,885 to $209,656
- Maryland income range: $68,603 to $205,810
- New Jersey income range: $69,529 to $208,588
- Hawaii income range: $67,163 to $201,490
- California income range: $66,766 to $200,298
- New Hampshire income range: $66,521 to $199,564
- Washington income range: $66,259 to $198,778
- Colorado income range: $64,742 to $194,226
- Connecticut income range: $64,033 to $192,098
- Virginia income range: $61,393 to $184,180
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based news reporter covering trending news with USA TODAY Network’s Mid-Atlantic Connect Team. She covers news in the Northeast, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Reach her at LComstock@usatodayco.com.
Washington, D.C
US industry leaders take sport fishing issues to Washington DC – Angling International
The impact of tariffs on the US fishing tackle industry and the need for sound fisheries management were among the topics discussed by attendees of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA)’s first ever Keep America Fishing in DC Fly-In.
It included industry leaders who last week joined together in Washington DC and all walked hundreds of miles across the US Capital Complex to advocate for the interests of the US trade and the entire recreational fishing community.
The group also enjoyed conversations with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Director, Dr Neil Jacobs, Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Brian Nesvik, Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Representative Blake Moore (R-UT).
ASA President and CEO, Glenn Hughes, said: “We look forward to continuing the conversation with legislators throughout the rest of this Congress and to an even bigger Keep America Fishing Fly-In in 2027.”
Above: From left: ASA President Glenn Hughes and Vice President of Government Affairs, Mike Leonard, with Senator Martin Heinrich (centre).
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