The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area had its biggest snowstorm Monday since 2019, leading to roadways covered and school closures just as classes were set to reopen after the start of the new year.
The National Weather Service said 6.7 inches of snow was recorded on the ground at Reagan National Airport in Northern Virginia, which is the most since January 2019.
Washington Dulles International Airport notched 3.9 inches while Baltimore-Washington International Airport collected 6.8 inches.
D.C. Public Schools said via a statement that its schools would reopen on Thursday, allowing time for students to pick up COVID-19 test kits on Tuesday and Wednesday. Other area schools announced closures through Tuesday, with some opting for virtual learning.
Federal offices in the area were closed Monday. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a snow emergency and extended it through 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Parts of Northern Virginia saw snowfall accumulation of 10 to 14 inches while Huntingtown, Maryland, recorded 15.5 inches Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
THOUSANDS OF FLIGHTS DELAYED AND CANCELED AT THE START OF NEW YEAR
Several social media posts showed how the snow affected vehicle traffic in the Washington, D.C., area.
Virginia State Police posted on Twitter requesting that people stay off the roads as the snow was collecting too quickly for troopers to keep their vehicles clear.
Snow is collecting too fast for these #VSP troopers on I-95 in #PrinceWilliam Co & I-495 in #Springfield to keep their vehicles clear! #VSP troopers are up to 559 traffic crashes & 522 disabled/stuck vehicles across #virginia since 12:01 AM (1/3/22). Pls delay travel. @VaDOTNOVA pic.twitter.com/1UoGDKHoBE
— VA State Police (@VSPPIO) January 3, 2022
Another post showed vehicle traffic completely stopped as roads became impassable.
ADVISORY: I-495 Outer Loop is STOPPED crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, impassable locals to exit / Thru lanes can’t climb hill toward 210. Stay off the roads. #VaTraffic #MdTraffic #DCTraffic #SnowEMERGENCY →@WTOP ?https://t.co/N0HBkz3F9N pic.twitter.com/gdSk9JryBi
— WTOP Traffic (@WTOPtraffic) January 3, 2022
In Maryland, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service spokesman’s tweet showed a crash blocking traffic.
Update – Rt108 Ashton Rd @ Howard County Line closed/blocked, collision, Two (2) cars. @MCFRS_EMIHS evaluated two drivers, no patients, Property damage only https://t.co/vXKxOMw42w pic.twitter.com/xJMeBjgQB6
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) January 3, 2022
A post also showed a tree fell on a car.
Fallen tree limb on 1300 block N. Carolina NE. #dc #snow @311DCgov @theHillisHome @PoPville @nbcwashington @juliemason pic.twitter.com/DVJpdNJv19
— Phil Yabut (@philliefan_99) January 3, 2022
More than 200,000 power company customers in D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia had no power as of Monday afternoon, according to WRC-TV.
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The snowfall also contributed to more than 2,600 U.S. flights and more than 4,100 worldwide being grounded by Monday afternoon, according to tracking service FlightAware.
