The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is already preparing for the winter storm this weekend.
In a post on the social media platform X, the agency shared its decision to cancel maintenance work scheduled for Saturday and outlined its weather protocols.
“As we continue to monitor & prepare for a winter storm, check out our deicer trains which spray anti-icing fluid on the third rail to help keep you moving when temps drop!” the post reads.
The winter storm, expected to hit the D.C. area on Saturday night, could bring anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snow along with icy conditions. Check out our detailed forecast here.
According to Metro’s protocol, if snowfall exceeds 8 inches, some train services may be suspended as a precaution.
“For safety reasons, as well as to preserve our railcars and allow for faster recovery after the storm, Metro may suspend aboveground rail service in a major snowstorm and serve only underground stations,” the agency explained on its website.
“In some cases when snowfall is not equal throughout the region, rail service may operate in some aboveground areas, but not in others,” it added.
The agency emphasized that it is equipped with hundreds of devices to remove snow and ice from stations, rail yards, parking lots, and bus terminals. Hundreds of employees and contractors are ready to respond to snowy conditions, Metro said.
Finally, the agency expects an increase in ridership as many people avoid driving due to treacherous road conditions.
For updates on Metrorail or Metrobus services, sign up for notifications through MetroAlerts or download the MetroPulse app.
This story first appeared on the website for our sister station Telemundo 44. Para leer en español, haz clic aquí.
