Schools, offices, and governments, both federal and local collectively, looked out the window this morning and said, “Man, it’s really coming down out there.” As a result of the overnight snowfall, the D.C. region is snowed in with cancellations and delays this morning.

Eight to 12 inches is expected in the immediate D.C. area by the time snow ends this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Heavier snow is expected in the southern part of the region. About three to six inches fell before noon.

There were close to 4,000 reported power outages in Arlington. Thousands more in neighboring Alexandria were also without power on Monday afternoon.

Federal government buildings are closed today. Emergency employees may still come into work while others have the option to telework, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Smithsonian museums are also closed.

Most area schools are also closed. For some, the cancellation also means changes in COVID-19 testing requirements for the return to the classroom later in the week.

Metrobuses were temporarily suspended throughout the day, along with many other transportation services around the region. Passengers should check their service before venturing out. By 6 p.m., WMATA had reinstated some bus service, and said it would continue to do so throughout the night. Buses on Tuesday are set to run on WMATA’s severe snow service plan, with only major routes serviced.

Roads have created problems for drivers and officials are asking residents to stay home so plows can work. Several crashes, dozens of stuck cars and even road closures have been reported. Flights from Reagan National have been grounded by the FAA because of the poor conditions. Meanwhile, Dulles and BWI airports have had canceled flights, too. Nearly 600 flights have been canceled in all.

Meanwhile, the District and Montgomery County were facing plow driver shortages. D.C. was able to fill in the 40 vacancies, due to COVID and the shortage, with contracted work. Montgomery County says they’ll focus on clearing major roads, but residents “may need to wait longer than typical for neighborhood streets to be treated.”

Nearly all public COVID-19 testing and vaccination operations are also not operational today.

Here’s a look at other regional closures.

D.C.

Schools

D.C. Public Schools are closed today, which will push the return to the classroom from Wednesday to Thursday, Jan. 6. Students and staff are still required to upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test result by Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 4:00 p.m., in order to be allowed back to school. Rapid tests will be available for pickup at school buildings on Tuesday, Jan. 4 and Wednesday, Jan. 5.

Some D.C. charter and private schools may have opted to remain open today.

Government and government services

Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a Snow Emergency. Bowser asked residents to stay off the roads so crews can clear the streets and asked people to move their cars from snow emergency routes. The Department of Public Works was down about 40 drivers to operate snowplows and other street cleaning vehicles going into their first shift of the day. COVID and driver shortages (that have also affected transit agencies, trucking, and more), limited the number of available employees. They were able to bring in contracted workers to fill the gaps.

Local government employees who are non-essential or non-emergency personnel will telework.

Public libraries in the District are closed today, and will not be able to accept PCR test samples or distribute PCR and rapid tests. All public COVID-19 testing sites are closed, including the four fire stations officials originally said would be able to accept PCR test samples and distribute rapid tests.

D.C. Parks and Recreation buildings are also closed for in-person activities, and no meal distribution will happen today.

MARYLAND 

Schools

In Montgomery County, public schools are closed today for all activities. School administrative offices and the district’s central office are opening on a 2-hour delay. Some daycare programs may open by 9 am.

In Prince George’s County, public schools are closed and no virtual learning will take place. School district emergency employees will report to work on a 2-hour delay.

Government and government services

Montgomery County government is open today, though with some modifications. County COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites are mostly open, and the county says residents with appointments should dress warmly, as they may be waiting outside. Walk-ups will not be accepted today.

Prince George’s County government is closed today, but employees are expected to telework if possible. The county’s COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites are also closed.

VIRGINIA 

Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools are closed for in-person and virtual learning today. All extracurricular and community activities at school buildings are also canceled, including COVID-19 testing. The school closures will continue tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 4.

Arlington Public Schools are closed and all activities on school grounds are canceled both Monday and Tuesday.

Alexandria City Public Schools are closed for in-person learning but will conduct virtual lessons. School buildings will also be shut on Tuesday.

Loudoun County Public Schools are also closed Monday and Tuesday.

Prince William County Schools are also closed Monday and Tuesday.

Falls Church City Schools are closed and activities are cancelled both Monday and Tuesday.

Government and government services

In Fairfax County, local government offices are closed and employees are teleworking. COVID vaccination appointments at Fairfax Government Center and South County Hyland Center are canceled, and the vaccination clinic at Tysons is closed. County libraries are also closed. Other county services are either closed or have modified schedules. Residents can check here for specifics.

Arlington County government is working virtually today. COVID-19 testing at the county’s Curative kiosks is canceled, and vaccination clinics are also closed for the day. Parks and Recreation centers and county libraries are also closed. Residents can check here for a list of complete closures and schedule changes for the day.

Alexandria government buildings are closed today. Curative’s COVID-19 testing kiosks in Alexandria are also closed, and the city’s mobile testing van will not operate. The city’s libraries and recreation centers are also shut due to the weather. Residents can find a list of complete closures and schedule changes here.

Loudoun County government is open but on unscheduled leave today. The county’s COVID-19 health phone line is not operating. More information about what county services are available today is here.

Prince William County government is closed today and Tuesday, as are county senior centers and the courts. The county’s community vaccination center and the health department’s vaccination site are both closed too. Some county recreation centers are operating on delayed hours. A full list of closures and schedule changes is here.

This story was updated with snow totals, cancellations at airports, power outages and more.