Ahead of first DC area snow, here’s where you can go to check operating status

Forecasters are predicting the first snowfall of the year in Washington metro area toward the end of this week.

Snow is expected to arrive Thursday evening and may fall into the morning for Friday’s commute, according to Federal News Radio’s sister station, WTOP.

Though WTOP predicts anywhere from a dusting to 1-2 inches of snow in the region, roads could be slick Friday morning.

Typically, the Office of Personnel Management conducts a phone call with the Council of Metropolitan Governments, along with Transportation Department officials, Metro, school districts and other local entities late at night or early in the morning.

Dean Hunter, director of emergency management OPM, said in December during a Facebook Live event on snow procedures that the agency tries to make a decision as soon as possible, but hopefully no later than 4 a.m.

OPM made no changes to its dismissals and closures procedures for this year, but the agency reminded federal employees in the Washington metro area of the channels they should visit to check the government’s operating status.

In the event that Thursday’s snowfall causes some disruption inside the Washington Capital Beltway, OPM will determine whether the government opens on time, delays its opening, closes and/or allows federal employees to use unscheduled leave or telework.

“OPM’s operating status announcements are only effective if each employee understands what the announcement means and how to react,” the agency said in its 2016-2017 dismissal and closure guidance for the Washington, D.C. area. “Every OPM announcement should be accompanied by specific agency procedures in continuity of operations plans, written telework agreements and/or collective bargaining agreements, as consistent with law.”

OPM encouraged federal employees in the Washington metro area to download the OPM Alert mobile app, which lists the current and active operating status and sends push notifications to inform users of any changes.

Feds can also find the government operating status for the Washington area on OPM’s website or social media channels.

Federal News Radio will have the latest on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages as more information becomes available.

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