As the region braces for severe weather, Metro shares snow prep plans and potential service impacts

Published: 01/23/2026

Metro is preparing for winter weather this weekend with up to 10 inches or more of snow forecasted across the region. Crews from Facilities and Maintenance to Operations are preparing equipment and supplies to get ready for potential impacts.

Metro makes every effort to maintain as much service as possible during weather events, but heavy snow may delay or completely suspend bus, rail, and Metro Access service. Every storm presents unique challenges, and service adjustments will be made with several factors being considered in addition to the rate of snowfall and total inches of snow.

“Our team has been in full prep mode for this storm by staging equipment, supplies, and personnel,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “We will provide as much service as safe conditions allow, but customers should stay tuned to Metro’s website and social channels and be prepared for possible service adjustments as conditions change.”

Winter travel tips

  • Travel only if necessary, as snow and ice may create hazardous conditions, delays, suspensions, and increased wait time.
  • Before you start your trip, visit wmata.com to find out if Metro is serving your area so you’re not stranded after leaving home. Download the MetroPulse app for real-time bus arrivals.
  • Dress warmly with added clothing layers and consider wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves. You may be outside longer than normal.
  • If snow is blocking the curb, wait on the sidewalk. Do not wait in the street for the bus.
  • Use extreme caution when walking on exposed surfaces, including parking lots and station platforms. Never run for a bus or train.
  • Hold on to railing when using stairs and escalators.
  • Report any unsafe conditions to a Metro employee, or call 202-GO-METRO, or report it online.
  • Customers can find additional frequently asked questions at wmata.com/weather.

Stay up to date with the latest information.

Metro Rail

Metro Rail can operate on a normal schedule with some snow. However, service may be delayed or suspended in extreme conditions.

Metro Bus

During snow events, the status of bus route will be updated in real-time at wmata.com/snow. Each route listed will show Regular Service, Snow Detour, or Temporarily Suspended. The heavier the snow, the more detours and temporary suspensions are possible.

In December, we announced a new way we are restoring bus service during and after snow events. In prior years, Metro had four service levels (Light, Moderate, Severe, and Lifeline), which required a set number of routes to be passable before restoring service at the next level.

In an effort to restore service as quickly as possible, routes are now restored on an individual basis as soon as the streets are passable.

Metro Access

Metro Access operates during inclement weather, but service may be modified throughout the day as road and walkway conditions deteriorate. If conditions become unsafe, Metro Access may transition from door-to-door operations and move to curb-to-curb operations and fully suspend service if conditions warrant until it is safe to resume regular service.

Metro Access customers will receive robocalls and text messages regarding service.

Metro equipment and resources available

  • 23,000 bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms
  • 116 snow brushes
  • 114 tractors
  • 96 snow blowers
  • 85 trucks with plows
  • 18 larger trucks
  • 9 salt domes with 300+ tons of bulk salt
  • About 2,800 employees will be working throughout the storm

About Metro

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region’s leading public transportation provider, serving a population of approximately four million people across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia within a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction. With a network of six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and a door-to-door paratransit service, Metro is the second busiest transit system in the United States serving 268.9 million trips in 2025 with a $5 billion operating and capital budget. Since 2022, Metro has completed multiple transit-oriented development projects that have brought $15 million in tax revenue to the region from housing, office, and retail space in our community.  Safety and security are core values at Metro. Over 30,000 cameras monitor the system, and Metro currently has the lowest crime rate in history with fare evasion on rail and bus declining. In 2025, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) named Metro the Transit Agency of the Year in recognition of industry-leading ridership growth, record high customer satisfaction, a newly redesigned Bus network, expanded rail service, and improved customer experience. 

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