Winter Storm Octavia Shuts Down D.C. Area; Snow Could Slow NYC Commute

Winter Storm Octavia hit states along the Eastern seaboard starting through the night Monday and into Tuesday. A snow emergency went into effect in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday at 7 a.m. and federal offices are closed for all non-essential workers. The region remains under a winter storm warning until noon, and D.C. public schools have closed as well. Storm total accumulations are expected to exceed 6 inches across a swath of the Mid-Atlantic, particularly Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. New York City and Long Island commuters should expect hazardous travel conditions during the Tuesday morning rush hour. A winter weather advisory remains in effect for for the area until noon. Two to four inches of snow expected to fall by Tuesday afternoon, and wind gusts up to 20 mph are being forecasted. 

Before the worst of the snow, minor traffic accidents were reported across the Mid-Atlantic region, and thousands of flights were canceled. Amtrak announced a modified schedule for Tuesday between New York City, Boston, parts of Virginia and Washington D.C. because of Octavia impacts as well. In West Virginia, a train carrying crude oil derailed, leaking oil into a nearby river Monday afternoon and sending a fireball into the sky. The derailment prompted an emergency declaration for two counties and concerns over water quality. Although the accident has not been labeled weather-related, slick roads did affect local response. The Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration is still recommending that drivers try to avoid travel and stay off the roads, despite the winding down of snow on Tuesday morning. Cleanup operations will continue throughout the day to clear snow-covered roads across the state. A winter storm watch remains in effect for New Jersey since Monday evening through Tuesday morning. Schools have delayed the start of classes or closed for the day, and State government offices have also delayed their opening until 11 a.m. on Tuesday to give workers extra time to get in, reports The Associated Press. Public schools in Philadelphia and dozens of suburban districts have closed Tuesday as the winter storm hit, blanketing the region with 4 to 8 inches of snow. The city's Catholic Schools are opening two hours late.

http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/octavia-midatlantic-snow