Winter Storm Disrupts Mid-Atlantic: School Closures, Water Main Breaks, and Recovery Efforts
Montgomery County, Maryland, and the wider Washington, D.C. area are grappling with the aftermath of a significant winter storm that brought a mix of rain, snow, and freezing temperatures over the weekend. The storm has led to widespread disruptions, including school closures, a surge in water main breaks, and ongoing efforts to clear roadways and sidewalks.
Montgomery County Schools Remain Closed Through Friday
Montgomery County Public Schools announced that classes will be canceled on both Thursday and Friday, extending the disruption for students and families. Despite officials reporting that snow clearing operations were 90% complete on the county’s roughly 5,400 miles of roads as of Wednesday midday, the decision to remain closed stems from the extensive work required to clear school grounds.
According to Education Director Thomas Taylor, the county’s 230 school buildings and associated facilities present a unique challenge due to their expansive parking lots and internal road networks. “Schools cannot truly function without critical staff arriving at school buildings to prepare them for the start of the school year,” Taylor stated in a radio interview. Concerns also remain about the safety of bus routes, with reports continuing to surface of uncleared streets, particularly in the northern and western parts of the county, which typically experience deeper snowfall. Acknowledging resident frustration, Taylor pointed out that a significant portion of Montgomery County is an agricultural reservation, encompassing many two-lane rural roads often overlooked during clearing efforts. The condition of sidewalks and bus stops also remains a concern, as pedestrians may be forced to walk in roadways where paths are not cleared.
WSSC Water Urges Conservation Amidst Pipe Break Crisis
The winter storm has triggered a crisis for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Water, with dozens of water pipe breaks reported across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. As of Wednesday afternoon, crews were working to repair over 40 breaks, and the number is expected to rise. The WSSC is urging residents to conserve water, as increased demand from people sheltering at home is exacerbating the strain on the system.
A key factor contributing to the pipe breaks is the plummeting temperature of the Potomac River. “Potomac River water temperature is a key indicator – it directly affects water main breaks,” explained Louis Maia, a WSSC spokesperson. The sudden temperature shift is causing pipelines to struggle and rupture. On Wednesday, a maintenance team responded to a burst pipe on Cappi Avenue in Congress Heights, Maryland, where icy conditions complicated repairs. A technician on site noted that while the situation is “controllable,” locating and closing valves to isolate the break remains a challenge. Maia emphasized the importance of public vigilance, asking residents to report any suspected leaks or ruptures to the WSSC hotline at 301-206-4002.
Washington, D.C. Lifts Snow Emergency, Waives Fines
Washington, D.C. is moving toward recovery after the storm, with the city announcing a moratorium on fines for residents and businesses who failed to clear sidewalks within the standard eight-hour window. All fines issued from Sunday will be waived. The city’s Department of Public Works offers exemptions for residents 65 and older, and programs like “DC Snow Removal Heroes” provide assistance.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, at a press conference on Wednesday, encouraged residents to continue clearing sidewalks where possible. The snow emergency, initially extended on Tuesday, will officially be lifted at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. During the emergency, parking was restricted on designated snow emergency routes, with illegally parked vehicles subject to towing.
The combined impact of the storm highlights the challenges faced by Mid-Atlantic communities during winter weather events, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and community cooperation.
