VDOT has deployed salt trucks and the federal government has delayed its opening in advance of expected freezing rain tonight.
The National Weather Service has issued a freezing rain advisory, in effect until 6:00 a.m. Monday. Forecasters say periods of freezing rain will leave a trace to a tenth of an inch of ice on local roadways before tomorrow’s morning rush hour.
VDOT says it’s prepared to treat slick spots overnight.
“About 770 trucks are patrolling roads in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, continuously treating icy spots such as ramps, bridges, elevated surfaces and other problem areas,” VDOT said in a press release. “With icy road conditions expected during rush hour, VDOT recommends motorists consider teleworking or delaying travel until after 10 a.m. Monday.”
The federal government, meanwhile, has told its hundreds of thousands of D.C. area employees to stay off the roads until at least 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
“Due to expected icy conditions, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management recommends that Federal employees remain off the road until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 23,” OPM said in a statement. “Federal Government offices will open to the public at 11:00 a.m. Employees who commute to the office will be granted excused absence for the delayed arrival. Employees have the option to use unscheduled leave and/or unscheduled telework for the entire workday in lieu of a delayed arrival.”