The Metro shutdown decision came as Washington and its suburbs braced for what could be a record-breaking blizzard, predicted to start Friday afternoon. The storm is expected to dump as much as two feet of snow on the region, and, combined with strong winds and whiteout conditions, is likely to make travel impossible.
The federal government announced that it will shut down early, states of emergency were declared, the plows and salt trucks were ready to go, and power companies were bringing in outside help. Classes were canceled for area schoolchildren.
Shortly before 11 p.m., the Office of Personnel Management said that federal government agencies in the Washington region would close at noon Friday. Federal workers have the option of taking unscheduled leave or teleworking, but those who do report to their offices must leave no later than noon.
