Washington-area federal agencies close early due to snow, icy rain

The Office of Personnel Management announced Tuesday that federal agencies in the Washington area would close three hours early due to snow and icy rain.

Emergency employees were expected to remain at work.

The area was under a winter weather advisory Tuesday morning that was expected to extend into the evening, according to the National Weather Service. One or two tenths of an inch of light freezing rain were expected to fall Tuesday afternoon before changing to snow.

OPM spokesman Michael Orenstein said Tuesday morning that officials would watch for deteriorating weather before deciding whether to close agencies early. By mid-afternoon agency officials decided to send employees home early, citing concerns about commuting.

Two days of snow and icy rain sent road crews in the Washington area scrambling, and many schools and offices were closed across the region Monday and Tuesday. Federal employees were permitted to take unscheduled leave both days and officials hoped that the unscheduled leave policy would relieve congestion on area roads and allow parents to deal with school closings.

OPM's announcement applies to employees (including those who telecommute) who work in executive branch agencies located inside the Capital Beltway. It does not apply to postal workers or federal contractors.

Agencies outside the Beltway and in other cities across the country announce their operating status individually.

Federal employees should monitor local media outlets or the OPM Web site for updates on the storm and the government's operating status.