DC Declares Snow Emergency; Parking Restrictions Begin Monday

From the DC Government Alert System:


DC DECLARES SNOW EMERGENCY TO GO INTO EFFECT MON., MARCH 3, AT 7 AM. Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes after 7 am Mon., March 3 will be ticketed and towed.

(Washington, DC) With a heavy snowfall predicted, the District announced Sunday that a snow emergency will go into effect at 7 am, Monday, March 3.  By declaring a snow emergency, the District Snow Team (Department of Public Works and Department of Transportation) will be able to clear snow emergency routes curb to curb.  To learn where a vehicle has been towed, call the Towed Vehicle Locator office at 202.541.6083 or go to http://dpw.dc.gov/service/locate-towed-vehicle.

The snow emergency will remain in effect until an announcement is made that it has been lifted.  Motorists are asked to tune into television and radio broadcast stations or go towww.snow.dc.gov for a notice that the snow emergency has been lifted.

Vehicles ticketed for a snow emergency violation and towed by DPW will be taken to the DPW Impound Lot at 5001 Shepherd Parkway, SW 20032.  The lot is open weekdays from8:30 am to 6:30 pm, the telephone number is 202.645.5500.  The lot is closed weekends, holidays and when DC government is closed.  To have an impounded vehicle released, these fees must be paid before the vehicle will be released:

•$250 ticket for the snow emergency violation.
•$100 tow fee.
•$20 per day storage fee.

Additional fees also may be required to be paid, e.g., fees for tickets older than 60 days that have not been entered into the adjudication system.  These fees may be paid at the impound lot by bank debit card, credit card (Mastercard, Visa and Discover) or online through the Department of Motor Vehicles Website --http://dmv.dc.gov/.

Ice and snow can accumulate on tree limbs, which can then pull down power lines and lead to power outages from downed wires.  Should power outages occur, Pepco strongly urges the public to call 1-877-Pepco-62 (1-877-737-2662) to report power outages and downed wires (stay away from downed wires and report them immediately).

Residential and commercial property owners are asked to apply an abrasive such as non-clumping kitty litter, rock salt or deicer before the storm begins.  They also should be aware that sidewalks must be cleared of snow within 24 hours of the end of the storm.

Winter Weather Safety and Preparedness Tips:  Motorists are asked to clear all snow from the vehicle first then drive cautiously.  Assist elderly or disabled neighbors with clearing their sidewalks. Also, for plow drivers’ safety, “Don’t crowd the plow.”  Residents are encouraged to go to snow.dc.gov for updates before, during and after winter storms, and for tips to get one’s home and family prepared for inclement weather.  Residents also may sign up atalert.dc.gov to receive emergency alerts and notifications from Alert DC.  To track the plows, go to snow.dc.gov and click on Track Our Plows:  http://snowmap.dc.gov/.