Washington, D.C

Heightened security, road closures in DC for Jan. 6 vote counting, Carter funeral

Published

2 days ago

January 3, 2025

Heightened security, road closures in DC for Jan. 6 vote counting, Carter funeral

Expect to see more police officers and road closures in Washington, D.C., over the next few days as the city prepares for the certification of the presidential election at the Capitol and the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter.

“I want to be very clear that we will not tolerate any violence, rioting, destruction of property or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of our city,” Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference D.C. authorities held Friday.

Fencing is up around the U.S. Capitol and will remain in place until the inauguration on Jan. 20.

While officials say there are no credible threats, security will be high next week given the deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans and the car explosion in Las Vegas.

Road closures around the Capitol building are in effect Friday night through Monday for the counting and certification of electoral votes taking place Monday.

Closures will then expand down Pennsylvania Avenue on Tuesday for the motorcade carrying Carter from Join Base Andrews to the U.S Navy Memorial. Then, a public procession will take Carter from the memorial to the Capitol Tuesday afternoon.

Drivers should expect widespread road closures on Thursday for Carter’s funeral, especially surrounding the Washington National Cathedral in Northwest.

Security will also be enhanced above the city.

“I advise everyone that the Secret Service will use drones as part of our comprehensive security plan. Do not be alarmed if you see these assets during the upcoming events or training in the days ahead,” said William McCool, the special agent in charge for the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office.

While authorities said there’s no known threat, they are concerned about the potential for a lone wolf attack. A suspect who planted two pipe bombs near the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. That person was never caught.

“We’re absolutely concerned that person is still on the loose and at large. Those were two viable devices left, not only outside of the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters, but in a neighborhood where people work and live and we have had a consistent effort alongside our partners to try to identify that person. That is going to remain a threat until we can identify that person,” said David Sundberg, assistant director in charge for the FBI Washington Field Office.

Road Closures

The following roads will close at about 8 p.m. on Friday:

First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd Street, NW, and First Street, NW
Maryland Avenue between 3rd Street, SW, and First Street, SW

These roads are closed starting 7 a.m. Monday:

First Street between Constitution Avenue, NE, and Independence Avenue, SE
East Capitol Street between First Street and 2nd Street
Constitution Avenue between Louisiana Avenue, NW, and 2nd Street, NE
Independence Avenue between Washington Avenue, SW, and 2nd Street, SE
D Street between First Street, NE, and 2nd Street, NE
Maryland Avenue between First Street, NE, and Constitution Avenue, NE
First Street between Louisiana Avenue, NW, and Constitution Avenue, NW

The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday at 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 close on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

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

The following streets will close on Tuesday from 1 to 3 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 on Thursday from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

Calvert Street from 29th Street to Connecticut Avenue, NW

The following streets will be closed on Thursday from 12:01 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

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 from 12:01 a.m. to 3 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

Parking restrictions

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from Saturday at 12:01 a.m. through Wednesday at 4:30 a.m.:

13th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
12th Street from E Street to Madison Drive, NW
11th Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
10th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
9th Street from E Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
8th Street from F 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 E Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
3rd Street from E Street, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
2nd Street from C Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
1st Street from E Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
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
F Street from 9th Street to 7th Street, NW
E Street 10th Street, NW 6th Street, NW
D Street from 9th Street NW to 1st 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
Independence Avenue from Washington Avenue, SW to 2nd Street, SE

The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking on Thursday from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

Calvert Street from 28th Street to Shoreham Drive, NW

Source link

Washington, D.C

DC mayor declares snow emergency ahead of major winter storm

Published

7 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

DC mayor declares snow emergency ahead of major winter storm

Winter Storm Warning

from SUN 10:00 PM EST until TUE 1:00 AM EST, Warren County, Fairfax County, Northern Fauquier County, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, Northwest Montgomery County, Central and Southeast Montgomery County, Carroll County, Washington County, Prince George’s County, District of Columbia, Berkeley County

Source link

Washington, D.C

TIMELINE: Snow begins Sunday night, DC area to receive several inches Monday

Published

14 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

TIMELINE: Snow begins Sunday night, DC area to receive several inches Monday

WASHINGTON (7News) — The first winter storm of the year and this winter season arrives tonight with developing snow showers from the west. Plan for snow to last through the day on Monday before ending Monday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the entire D.C. and Baltimore metro areas starting Sunday evening through Monday night.

HERE’S THE TIMELINE OF STORM

Sunday 8 p.m. – midnight: Snow moves in from the west
Monday 12 a.m. – 10 a.m.: Snow, heavy at times
Monday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Snow ends in some areas, sleet mixing in south of I-66
Monday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Leftover snow showers on the back side of the low-pressure center

LATEST FORECAST | WATCH RADAR

HOW MUCH SNOW CAN YOU EXPECT?
Skies will be mostly clear through about the first half of Sunday, with clouds increasing after noon. Snow will increase from the south beginning around 10 p.m.

Expect a wide swath of the D.C. metro area to get anywhere from 4 to 8 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts south of I-66, and lighter amounts in central and northern Maryland.

Most of Sunday remains dry but chilly with high temperatures in the middle 30s.

HOW TO PREPARE

The primary hazards of this storm will be the impacts on travel.

If you must drive, plan for slick roads, especially elevated roads, that will be very dangerous to drive on. Officials are asking that area residents stay home or off the roads.

Flight delays and cancellations are also likely through Monday.

Power outages could also be an issue.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued a state of emergency, while Maryland Gov. Wes Moore issued a state of preparedness.

Sidewalks and driveways could also get slick for those walking outside with pets or to get to Metro.

Amtrak has already canceled some trains based on the forecast.

Refreeze could also be an issue Tuesday morning.

Source link

Washington, D.C

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

Published

22 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.):

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.