Opm delays D.C.-area federal arrivals by two hours as snow moves in

opm announced a two-hour delayed arrival for federal employees in the Washington, D. C. metro area on Monday to give local transportation departments time to clear snow from roadways. The agency also allowed unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework, and emergency employees were told to report as usual unless their agencies direct otherwise.

Opm director Scott Kupor frames the decision and agency message

The Office of Personnel Management initiated the two-hour delay Sunday afternoon as snow began to fall and stick to the ground. OPM Director Scott Kupor wrote in a post that the delay should give people "more flexibility in the am if the snow comes in as expected overnight, " and noted that temperatures are not expected to be as cold as during the last storm, reducing concerns about serious icing that would require a full shutdown. He closed the message with, "Stay warm and stay safe!" Employees were also told they may opt for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework on Monday.

Rules for telework and remote employees on the delayed schedule

Employees already scheduled to telework or remote work are expected to begin their workday on time but may request unscheduled leave if needed. Telework employees who are not scheduled to telework but who request unscheduled telework must be prepared either to telework, to take unscheduled leave, or to use other paid time off to cover the entire workday. Weather and safety leave is generally not available for telework employees who do not report to the office.

Expectations for non-telework and emergency staff

Non-telework employees, and telework employees who are not scheduled and are not requesting unscheduled telework, are expected to either report to the office and receive weather and safety leave for up to two hours past their normal arrival time or to request unscheduled leave for the entire workday. Employees who request unscheduled leave are not eligible for weather and safety leave. Emergency employees are expected to report to their worksites on time unless their agencies provide alternative directions.

Winter weather advisory, expected accumulations and timing across the region

A winter weather advisory is in place from 5 p. m. Sunday to 10 a. m. Monday ET for the District of Columbia, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park. Forecasts differed on totals: one local forecast placed accumulations between 2 and 6 inches after the region began Sunday with rainy conditions, while another expected total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches with localized amounts around 5 inches. Northwest winds were expected to gust between 30 and 40 mph overnight through Monday, and snowfall amounts were forecast to be higher in the Baltimore region.

Meteorologist Mike Stinneford said the heaviest snow was expected in the evening hours and would taper off after midnight, with conditions improving Monday as temperatures rise and lead to snow melt. He also warned about the potential for freezing Monday night, raising the risk of icy conditions after the initial melt.

Schools, commutes and employees on preapproved leave

School systems across the D. C. metro region are delaying their starts to allow streets to clear and for snow melt to begin. Commuters should plan for slippery road conditions, as the hazardous weather will impact the Monday morning commute. Employees who are on preapproved leave, whether paid or unpaid, or who are using other paid time off such as compensatory time or credit hours will generally be charged for that leave or time off and will not receive weather and safety leave even if they request unscheduled leave or other paid time off.