Maryland

Fed. Agencies on 2-Hour Delay, Some Schools Closed Thursday

More school cancellations Thursday

Wednesday's spring snow storm left some area roads slick, closing several major school systems and delaying federal workers Thursday.

Temperatures remained above freezing in the D.C. metro area overnight, but some areas farther north may see some slick spots.

Those dangerous road conditions prompted many school systems to cancel or delay class Thursday. 

Federal government employees in D.C. will have a two-hour delay Thursday and have the option for unscheduled leave or telework, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management said late Wednesday.

Wind is also in Thursday's forecast, which could create conditions for falling trees and power outages.

Wednesday's storm brought the most snow the region has seen at this time of year since 1964. Some areas got an inch of snow per hour.

About 4 inches of snow accumulated in parts of D.C. Fairfax and St. Mary's counties got about 5 inches of snow. Further south there was about 3 inches. To the west and north, totals ranged from 2.5 inches to 7 inches. You can find updated accumulation stats here.

School is canceled again Thursday in Prince George's, Fairfax, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Frederick, Loudoun, Fauquier and Prince William counties and Manassas. Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Arlington, Montgomery and Charles counties plan to open on a two-hour delay. Go here to see the full list.

D.C. Public Schools will open on time Thursday, the school system said.

Virginia State Police responded to almost 400 crashes and 250 disabled vehicles across the commonwealth by Wednesday evening.

In the 6900 block of Bradley Boulevard in Bethesda, a tree feel on power lines due to the snow about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, blocking the road. Pepco and tree crews went to the scene.

Areas farther north and west of the D.C. area could see up to a foot of snow. 

The heaviest snow was during the day Wednesday, causing reduced visibility and sticking to main roads. 

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a snow emergency in the District from 9 a.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday. Cars cannot be parked along corridors designated as snow emergency routes, as posted with red and white signs.

Emergency shelters and warming sites are open. Call 202-399-7093 or 311 for information on shelters.

Metro cut roughly 60 percent of bus service on Wednesday because of hazardous conditions. Buses will not run on some lines. Other buses will be detoured to avoid hills and narrow streets. Go here to see how your bus line is affected.

Metrorail was expected to run as usual. However, the Rush Hour Promise program will not be in effect in case of delays.

MetroAccess customers are advised to cancel all non-essential travel. Delays are expected.

A winter storm warning is in effect for most of the area until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

In D.C., snow must be removed from sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after a snow event ends. There are exemptions for people with disabilities and those 65 or older. Call 311 for more information. If you want to shovel snow for others as a volunteer, go here.

The weather is set to improve Thursday through Saturday, but cold temperatures Thursday could lead to black ice.

Some melting will occur Thursday, but most melting will be Friday when the temperature rises. The angle of the sun in March helps the melting process.

A wintry mix of rain and snow is possible again Sunday, mostly to the south.

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