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DC region preps ahead of snowstorm; 5″-8″ of snow expected in metro area

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DC region preps ahead of snowstorm; 5″-8″ of snow expected in metro area


What to Know

  • The D.C. metro area, central Maryland and Northern Virginia could get about 5″-8″ of snow, and some isolated locations could get more.
  • Areas toward the west could get 8″-12″ or snow or even higher.
  • Snowfall may be heavy at times, and all that precipitation will have a big impact, making travel difficult, decreasing visibility and creating icy conditions.
  • Officials are urging people to stay off the roads Sunday and Monday.
  • Amtrak announced cancelations of dozens of trains Sunday through Tuesday.

The D.C. region’s first major winter storm of the season is on its way, and it’s expected to pack a punch with several inches likely in the metro area.

That massive storm system will move in late Sunday night, bringing impactful snow through Monday.

Amtrak has canceled dozens of trains along its Northeast Corridor, and Culpeper County Public Schools in Virginia announced snow days for students both Monday and Tuesday. In Loudoun County, residents rushed to the polls Saturday to cast ballots early in a special election so they could be sure to get it done before the snow arrives.

The National Weather Service has declared a Winter Storm Warning for the region starting Sunday at 10 p.m. through Tuesday at 1 a.m. See all weather alerts here.

How much snow will DC, Maryland and Virginia get?

Expected snow totals have increased as Storm Team4 continues to track the storm.

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The D.C. metro area, central Maryland and Northern Virginia could get about 5″-8″ of snow, and some isolated locations could get more, perhaps up to 10″. If the precipitation stays all snow, we could see possibly a foot in some locations.

Off toward the west, around the Blue Ridge Mountains, we could see about 8″-12″ or even higher.

Lower amounts are expected farther north. Near the Maryland/Pennsylvania border, about 3″-6″ of snow are expected, with the possibility for a little bit of a mix with some freezing rain and sleet.

Winter Storm Warning issued for much of the region

In addition to the National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Warning, Storm Team4 also has declared a Weather Alert.

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We’re expecting to see snow falling for hours, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Jessica Faith said. Snowfall could be heavy at times, and all that precipitation will have a big impact, making travel difficult, decreasing visibility and creating icy conditions.

The snow is expected to begin late Sunday, with the highest snowfall rates overnight Sunday into Monday morning. It may mix with sleet in some areas Monday morning to afternoon, especially along the Interstate 66 corridor, the weather service said.

Roads, bridges and overpasses will likely be slippery, making travel difficult throughout the Monday morning and
evening commutes. Officials in D.C., Maryland and Virginia are asking people to avoid travel during the snowfall if possible.

Wet, heavy snow or freezing rain could topple branches and trees, causing power outages.

Closures are likely Monday and could also be possible again Tuesday.

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State of Emergency declared in Virginia; State of Preparedness in Maryland

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency ahead of the winter storm, encouraging people to adjust travel plans to stay off the roads during the snow.

“I am declaring a state of emergency for the incoming winter storm currently forecasted to impact Virginia starting Sunday, and I’m encouraging all Virginians, visitors, and travelers to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts,” Youngkin said in a statement. “… If you find yourself needing to be on the roadways, please heed any warnings and make sure you are keeping yourselves and others safe. Our pre-treating preparations are underway and substantial state and local resources will continue to actively monitor the forecast and respond through the weekend.”

In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore declared a State of Preparedness for Sunday through Monday.

“Marylanders are cautioned to avoid travel if possible, to follow local forecasts, and to stay prepared for winter storm hazards,” a release from Moore’s office said.

Moore warned residents that roads will be icy, and people should avoid travel if possible. Anyone who does need to go anywhere should be extremely careful.

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DC, Maryland, Virginia crews prepare for snow

As crews across the region get ready, we’ve already seen plows and salt trucks out all over the place.

The Virginia Department of Transportation said teams in Northern Virginia are pretreating interstates, primary roads and high-volume secondary roads, as well as bridges, ramps and overpasses.

“Crews will start staging on area roads Sunday morning and will begin treatment as snow begins Sunday evening and night,” VDOT said late Saturday afternoon.

Officials are asking travelers to get to their destinations by Sunday afternoon, and after that, to delay all non-essential travel until after the snow. Any drivers should make sure their vehicles contain emergency supplies.

“Be prepared for a multi-day response to this storm,” VDOT said. Crews will treat interstates first, then primary routes and high-volume secondary roads, and residential streets last.

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Virginia State Police are adjusting the number of state troopers on the roads Sunday and Monday because of the storm.

In D.C., the District Snow Team will be deployed at noon Sunday, and crews will begin pretreating roads at 8 p.m. on all snow emergency routes. Crews have already been pretreating D.C. government properties, including sidewalks, driveways and entryways at police stations, fire stations, shelters and schools.

While you’re out shoveling and salting, you can also lend a hand to your neighbors. The DC volunteer snow program links people who want to help with residents who can’t shovel their own walkways or driveways. Visit snowteam.dc.gov, and choose if you want to volunteer or if you’re a resident who could use the help. People will be paired with others from their own neighborhood. Volunteers can even get the tools they need for free to get the job done.

First school closures announced

Culpeper County Public Schools in Virginia announced all classrooms and offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 6. Classes will also be canceled Tuesday, Jan. 7 for students, but it will be a workday for staff.

NBC4 will share any other school closures as they’re announced, both here and on this list.

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The wintery weather expected to hit the D.C. area has some people hunkering down, and others planning to embrace all the snow. News4’s Joseph Olmo reports.

Amtrak canceling dozens of trains

Amtrak announced dozens Northeast Regional and Acela trains will be canceled:

Sunday, Jan. 5:

Northeast Regional (Boston and Washington):

  • Train 67 canceled
  • Train 195 canceled between D.C. and Richmond
  • Train 157 canceled between D.C. and Norfolk

Monday, Jan. 6:

Acela (between Boston and D.C.):

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  • Trains 2103, 2107, 2108, 2121, 2122 and 2124 canceled
  • Trains 2150, 2154, 2168, 2170 and 2172 canceled between D.C. and New York
  • Trains 2151, 2153, 2155, 2159 and 2173 canceled between New York and D.C.

Northeast Regional (between Boston and D.C.):

  • Trains 141, 94 and 95 canceled between Norfolk and D.C.
  • Train 171 canceled between Roanoke and D.C.
  • Train 125 canceled between D.C and Newport News
  • Train 93 canceled between New York and Norfolk
  • Train 174 canceled between Richmond and D.C.
  • Trains 170, 130, 172, 112, 182, 84, 86, 134, 138, 66, 151, 181, 119, 131, 193, 197, 175, 179 and 85 canceled

Carolinian (between Charlotte and New York):

  • Trains 79 and 80 canceled between New York and Raleigh

Tuesday, Jan. 7:

Northeast Regional (Boston and Washington):

  • Train 86 canceled between Richmond and D.C.
  • Train 84 canceled between Norfolk and D.C.

Amtrak officials said they’ll waive additional charges for travelers looking to change their reservations during the modified schedule. Passengers should call 1-800-USA-RAIL and can follow @AmtrakNECAlerts on X for service alerts regarding the Northeast Corridor.

Safety tips for driving during snowfall

If you must travel during the snowfall, Virginia officials are sharing the following safety tips:

  • Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to see slick spots on the road and helps other drivers see you better.
  • Keep your speed down. “Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash,” officials said. “Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.”
  • Don’t tailgate. You need more distance from other vehicles when driving on slippery roads.
  • Wear your seatbelt. “Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles,” officials said. “Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.”
  • Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Fill up your gas tank tank in advance. Check your windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire treads and battery life.
  • Pack winter travel safety items. You should have a window scraper, blankets, bottled water, snacks, a cell phone charger and a flashlight.

Winter weather safety and snow prep tips

The D.C. government shared these tips ahead of the snow:

  • Make sure you have a snow shovel.
  • Check and put down your supply of abrasives – deicer, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter – and get more if necessary.
  • Avoid driving during the worst part of the storm. If possible, only travel during daylight, don’t travel alone and stick to main roads.
  • Check medications. Make sure you have enough over-the-counter and prescription medications for yourself and any family members or pets.
  • Clear leaves from your gutters. Call 311 to report any clogged storm drains or other non-emergency hazards.
  • Check smoke/CO detectors. Install a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector in your home and/or replace the batteries in existing devices.
  • Be safe indoors. Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline-burning device inside your home, basement or garage.
  • Prevent pipes from freezing by allowing a small trickle of water to drip.

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.



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Washington, D.C

‘Treacherous': DC urges people to seek shelter during frigid weather

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‘Treacherous': DC urges people to seek shelter during frigid weather


D.C. officials are urging people experiencing homelessness to go to shelters amid this week’s dangerously cold temperatures.

Tent encampments covered with snow could be spotted throughout the city after Monday’s snow storm.

About 1,400 people stayed in the city’s shelters Tuesday night, officials said.

“You kind of, like, make the best of it, and you do what you have to do to survive,” said Eban Nimblett, who has been experiencing homelessness for more than three years. “Me and other people in our situation, we try to comfort up and just stay whole.”

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Nimblett, who spoke to News4 at one of D.C.’s day centers, described what it’s like living on the streets when it’s dangerously cold outside.

“Treacherous, treacherous. It’s like you wandering. You might end up at Union Station or riding the buses or the subway or just kind of wander out, just looking for a place to actually, you know, to huddle up and keep warm,” Nimblett said.

D.C. officials say the city has enough space in its shelters, but convincing people to take advantage of them is often difficult.

“It’s very important that people understand how dangerous hypothermia can be,” Rachel Pierre, an administrator for the D.C. Family Services Administration, told News4.

“For people who won’t come out in the cold, we have outreach, checking on them, distributing warming items, hand warmers, socks, dry shoes, blankets, as many blankets as they want, as many blankets as they need, as many sometimes tarps, if that’s their request,” Pierre said.

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She said the city continues to check on those that refuse to come to a shelter in case they change their minds.

The day center where News4 met Nimblett is blocks away from the White House and offers meals, hot showers and medical services.

“Once I learned about this place, I kind of fell in love with the people here, and they got to know me and they have the doctor here, they have laundry, a place to take a shower, they feed. You can sit in, watch TV, keep warm,” he said.

If you see someone you think might need help you can call the shelter hotline at (202) 399-7093 or dial 311. D.C.’s hypothermia vans operate 24 hours a day.

For more information on the city’s cold weather resources, including shelter locations, go here.

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WATCH LIVE: President Jimmy Carter to arrive in DC for official state funeral

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WATCH LIVE: President Jimmy Carter to arrive in DC for official state funeral


The body of President Jimmy Carter will arrive in Washington, D.C. Tuesday as the nation prepares for the official state funeral for the former Commander-in-Chief.

Carter passed away at his Georgia home on Sunday, Dec. 29. Carter died at the age of 100 after spending almost two years in at-home hospice care. He was the longest-lived president in U.S. history.

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The former president has been lying in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta since Saturday. It was the first event in a six-day series leading up to his national funeral service on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2024, at the Washington National Cathedral.

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When does Carter arrive in D.C.?

Former President Carter lands in D.C. around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

His remains were transported on Special Air Mission 39, which will arrive at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and then will be transferred with ceremony to a hearse.

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The family and President Carter’s remains will then travel by motorcade to the U.S. Navy Memorial and his hearse will be placed in a horse-drawn caisson for a procession to the U.S. Capitol. 

At 3 p.m. Tuesday, a service will be held for members of Congress to pay their respects in the Rotunda. 

Carter will then lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda until 9 a.m. Thursday.

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The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from Monday, January 6, 2025 at approximately 7:00 p.m. through Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at approximately 4:30 a.m.:

  • 13th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  • 12th Street from E Street to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 11th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
  • 10th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
  • 9th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
  • 8th Street from E Street to D Street, NW
  • 7th Street from E Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 6th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
  • 5th Street from E Street to D Street, NW
  • 4th Street from D Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 3rd Street from E Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
  • Northbound 3rd Street Tunnel Exit 9 toward US Capitol
  • 2nd Street from C Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
  • 1st Street from E Street, NW to Maryland Avenue, SW
  • New Jersey Avenue from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
  • Louisiana Avenue from Columbus Circle, NE to Constitution Avenue, NW
  • Delaware Avenue from Columbus Circle to Constitution Avenue, NE
  • North Capitol Street from E Street to D Street, NW
  • 1st Street from Columbus Circle, NE to Independence Avenue, SE
  • D Street from 9th Street NW to 2nd Street, NE
  • Indiana Avenue from 7th Street to 3rd Street, NW
  • C Street from 6th Street to New Jersey Avenue, NW
  • Pennsylvania Avenue from 14th Street to 1st Street, NW
  • Constitution Avenue from 14th Street NW to 2nd Street, NE
  • Madison Drive from 14th Street to 3rd Street, NW
  • Jefferson Drive from 14th Street to 3rd Street, SW
  • Maryland Avenue from Independence Avenue to 1st Street, SW

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

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  • Independence Avenue from Washington Avenue, SW to 2nd Street, SE

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

  • 8th Street from F Street to E Street, NW
  • F Street from 9th Street to 7th Street, NW
  • E Street 10th Street to 6th Street, NW

The following street will be closed intermediately to vehicle traffic on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from approximately 4:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

  • Calvert Street from 29th Street to Connecticut Avenue, NW

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from approximately 12:01 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

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  • Garfield Street from Massachusetts Avenue, NW to 34th Street, NW
  • 34th Street from Woodley Road to Garfield Street, NW
  • Woodley Road from Wisconsin Avenue to 34th Street, NW
  • Wisconsin Avenue from Lowell Street to Massachusetts Avenue, NW
  • Cathedral Avenue from Massachusetts Avenue to Wisconsin Avenue, NW

The following streets will be open for local traffic only on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from approximately 12:01 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:

  • Garfield Street from 34th Street to 32nd Street, NW
  • Woodland Drive from Garfield Street to 32nd Street, NW
  • 33rd Place from Cathedral Avenue to Garfield Street, NW
  • Cleveland Avenue from 34th Street to 32nd Street, NW
  • Cathedral Avenue from 34th Street to 32nd Street, NW
  • Klingle Road from 34th Street to 32nd Street, NW
  • Woodley Road from 33th Street to 32nd Street, NW
  • 34th Street from Macomb Street to Woodley Road, NW
  • 35th Street from Lowell Street to Woodley Road, NW
  • 36th Street from Lowell Street to Woodley Road, NW
  • Wisconsin Avenue from Macomb Street, NW to Lowell Street, NW
  • Woodley Road from 38th Street to Wisconsin Avenue, NW
  • 36th Street from Garfield Street to Massachusetts Avenue, NW
  • 35th Street from Garfield Street to Fulton Street, NW
  • 34th Place from Garfield Street to Fulton Street, NW
  • 34th Street from Garfield Street to Fulton Street, NW

The following street closures are subject to change based on unexpected conditions.

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What happens at a state funeral?

According to the White House Historical Association, official state funerals for presidents traditionally last five days in length and are meticulously choreographed. 

The services are traditionally coordinated by the Army’s Military District of Washington and planning often begins early in each presidential term, the association says. 

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The president, former presidents and a president-elect are all entitled to a state funeral, but the family decides if they actually get one or just how involved it will be.

The guidelines for state funerals date back to the mid-1800s and have been shaped over time. Seating arrangements, for example, are detailed with precision, with the presidential party followed by chiefs of state, arranged alphabetically by the English spelling of their countries.

The last official state funeral was for George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States. Bush was laid to rest in December 2018. He was the fourth former president to have a state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral.

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After three days of funeral events in Washington, Bush was headed home to Texas for his burial. Similarly, Carter will be sent back to his hometown of Plains, Georgia for burial following his services in D.C.

More on the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter

James Earl Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, on October 1, 1924, into a family of peanut farmers.

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There, in the peanut capital of the world, the Carter family’s Baptist roots ran deep. Jimmy, as he liked to be called, was fond of the family business. But he grew to love the life of public service even more.

In his early years, Carter attended Georgia Southwestern College, Georgia Tech and the U.S. Naval Academy. He went on to serve overseas.

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He married Rosalynn Smith, and they had three sons and a daughter.

In 1962, amid the growing civil-rights movement, Carter was elected to the Georgia Senate. From there, it was on to a gubernatorial campaign in 1966. That attempt failed. But in 1971, Jimmy Carter became Georgia’s 76th governor. From there, his political career flourished.

In 1974, then-Gov. Carter announced his run for president. He won the Democratic Party nomination at the 1976 convention on the first ballot.

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On Nov. 2, 1976, Jimmy Carter, campaigning as a Washington outsider, defeated Republican incumbent Gerald Ford and won the White House.

President Carter served one term, from 1977 to 1981. There were some monumental highs during his time in office, such as the brokering of the Camp David accord between Egypt and Israel.

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But his years in office were also beset by the energy crisis, inflation, high interest rates and the infamous “444 days” of the American hostage crisis in Iran.

After losing his bid for re-election, President Carter continued to champion human rights throughout the world.

He founded The Carter Center in Atlanta to promote global health, democracy and human rights.

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After his presidency, Carter also became a strong advocate of Habitat for Humanity, solidifying his legacy as one of the country’s most productive former presidents.

Over the years, he wrote more than two dozen books and continued efforts to promote worldwide peace by monitoring international elections and establishing various relief efforts.

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Jimmy Carter's funeral services begin in Washington, D.C., today

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Jimmy Carter's funeral services begin in Washington, D.C., today


Members of law enforcement walk toward the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center entrance during Monday’s snowstorm.

Jon Cherry/Getty Images


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ATLANTA — The remains of former President Jimmy Carter are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., where he will be honored with a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol before lying in state through Thursday morning.

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The casket carrying the 39th president will leave the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, where thousands of mourners paid their respects over the weekend, and will travel to Dobbins Air Reserve Base before boarding Special Air Mission 39 to Joint Base Andrews.

Carter died Dec. 29 at age 100.

While Carter’s four-plus decades out of office were marked by humanitarian efforts around election monitoring and tackling global public health issues, his time in Washington was marked by a tumultuous economy and international conflict, and this left him unpopular with an American public distrustful of the federal government.

Carter’s casket will leave Joint Base Andrews and travel to the U.S. Navy Memorial, paying tribute to his time in the service as a lieutenant who worked on nuclear submarines, before a horse-drawn caisson leads a procession to the Capitol.

A service in the Capitol rotunda with members of Congress is slated to begin at 3 p.m., and members of the public are invited to pay their respects until 7 a.m. Thursday, when Carter’s remains will travel to Washington National Cathedral for his National Funeral Service.

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Watch the funeral events at the feed below on Tuesday, and tune in at 2:30 p.m. ET for NPR’s live special coverage:

Thursday afternoon, Carter’s remains will return to Georgia for a private service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where Carter taught Sunday School well into his 90s, before he’s buried at the family home next to his wife, Rosalynn Carter.



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