Snow and Other Severe Weather

Metro has taken additional steps to better prepare for and improve service during inclement winter weather. The transit agency has 559 pieces of snow equipment ready to tackle snowfall at Metrorail stations, rail yards, parking garages, Metrobus garages and bus bays. During severe weather, Metro will limit or curtail bus, rail and paratransit service to ensure the safety of Metro customers and employees.

What to Expect During a Winter Storm

Metrorail

Metrorail will operate very close to a normal schedule in snowfall of up to six inches. However once snow reaches a depth of eight inches, Metrorail may suspend service above ground. Underground-only operations allows for continuous connections to key activity centers in downtown Washington and the Pentagon, and helps ensure a more rapid return of full service by sparing rail cars from weather-related damage by storing them underground. It also allows crews to focus on clearing snow from above-ground tracks. For more information, see Using Metro in a Snowstorm.

Metrobus

During inclement weather, as conditions deteriorate, Metrobus service will be modified as local road conditions change. Metrobus will first reduce service, then limit service to snow emergency routes. However, if snow accumulates to unsafe levels, Metro will halt all bus service until it is safe to resume service. Metrobus has worked with the local jurisdictions to inform them of which snow emergency routes need to be plowed to maintain bus service to as many communities as possible. Metro relies on the local jurisdictions to clear snow from bus stops. Metrobus will provide regular service in one to two inches of snow. However, some routes that operate on hills, curves and narrow streets may be detoured. With two to four inches of snow, freezing rain or ice, Metrobus will reduce service, widening intervals between buses. Four to eight inches of snow will lengthen intervals between buses even further. With eight inches or more of snow, Metrobus will run minimal bus service only. When road conditions become unsafe, Metrobus will curtail all service. For more information, see Using Metro in a snowstorm.

MetroAccess

MetroAccess will operate during inclement weather, but service will be modified throughout the day as road and walkway conditions deteriorate causing unsafe conditions. If roadways or walkways become unsafe, MetroAccess will stop all service until it is safe to resume service.

Stay informed during winter weather events

• Subscribe to MetroAlerts. Through MetroAlerts, you can receive alerts via email notifying you of Metrorail and MetroAccess service disruptions.
• Follow Metro on Twitter
• Visit MetroOpensDoors.com.
• Call the Metro Customer Information Center at 202-637-7000.

Tips

• Find out how Metro is serving your area before you leave and don't let yourself get stranded once you're out
• Watch the weather forecast before you leave so you'll have an idea if the conditions are expected to worsen to a point that they could affect Metro service.
• Dress warmly. You may be outside longer than normal.
• Be patient, courteous, helpful and safe.