Snow Storm 2009

Many people throughout the DC Metropolitan area have found themselves either stuck inside their homes or risking their safety by venturing outside into what has been declared the snowiest December snow storm ever in the area.


It may not be officially the first day of winter until Monday, but beginning Friday evening the snow began to fall. With over an inch of snow falling every hour, Washington, DC has seen about 16.4 inches of snow, the most to fall in the area, while Virginia has seen the most of the snow fall. In Stafford, Va over 24 inches of snow has fallen.

Michel Cline, the State Coordinator for the VA Department of Emergency Management, has stated that hundreds of vehicles have been abandoned or stuck on the roads. This is why Virginia Department of Transportation has released a statement that, “No one should drive unless absolutely necessary” (www.virginiadot.org/news/resources/Statewide/vdem_release_12.19.09.pdf ).

With over 3,000 incidents on the roads, many in Northern Va, The big storm has also forced the Virginia National Guard and Virginia state police to assist local governments to evacuate stranded motorists and to shut down ramps along Interstate-95 and Interstate-495.

DC has been relaying the message of staying off the roads as well, as Mayor Adrian M. Fenty declared it to be in a snow emergency.

“It is imperative people stay off the roadways so our crews can get their work done,” said Mayor Fenty, as his Department of Transportation and Department of Public works continues to work on treating and clearing residential and major streets.

Because of the hazardous conditions Metro bus was forced to discontinue service at 12:30 pm on Saturday to start up again on Sunday, two hours late at 9:00am. Metro rail became the most effective mode of transportation although it did discontinue its above ground services (www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4198 ).

For those traveling elsewhere, all airports have been affected. Regan National airport has closed until 6:00am on Sunday, Dulles International airport has left one runway open, with most flights canceled and BWI has closed all runways and canceled all flights until further notice. It is important for those traveling into or out of the DC area to call their respective airlines to receive updated information on each flight to make alternative plans.