Blizzard Watch Issued for District

Capitol Hill area residents should prepare for a lot of snow and powerful winds this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard watch for D.C. from Friday afternoon to Saturday night. The watch says that conditions are expected to be worst on Friday afternoon, with heavy snow and strong winds causing “potential life threatening conditions.”

The District government has also activated its “Cold Emergency Plan,” guaranteeing shelter for all homeless individuals. To request shelter transport for D.C. residents who are homeless and on the street, contact the shelter hotline at [email protected], 202-399-7093 or 1-800-535-7252.

Meteorologists are expecting between one and two feet of snow to fall in the District between Friday and Sunday, making this one of the largest snow storms ever in D.C.

This will also be the first snow storm since Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a law allowing the Department of Public Works to fine homeowners and business owners who do not remove snow and ice from paved sidewalks adjacent to their property. Fines are set at $25 for residential properties and $150 for commercial properties.

Homeowners who are 65-years-old or older and those with disabilities are exempt under the law and will not be fined.