Forecasters Question Decision To Open DC-Area Schools Late

WASHINGTON, DC -- Some local forecasters were mystified by the universal decision of D.C.-area schools to open two hours late.

While some areas experienced icy roads due to overnight winter weather, it was just a bit of rain for much of the D.C. area.

Dan Stillman, a meteorologist and editor for the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang, called the decisions by both D.C. Public Schools and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management -- which makes the call for federal workers -- "curious."

Curious decisions by @dcpublicschools and @USOPM to delay last night for what seemed to be only wet roads this morning. Not even close to the kind of storm or forecast that should have warranted decisions the night before, at least not for DC and south/east. @DCAbloob
— Dan Stillman (@stillmand) February 11, 2019

The main CWG Twitter account chimed in, saying that they "were surprised by these calls," as their forecast only called for mostly wet roads with isolated slick spots.

Reaction from locals were mixed. While some said it was better to be safe than sorry, others agreed that it seemed a little over the top to delay schools and the federal government on Monday.

CWG also said it was strange that they had made the decision the night before rather than check on the conditions in the morning, particularly with such a marginal forecast.

Others noted that conditions were bad in some places, like in Fairfax County, so officials may have been wise to play it safe.

We were surprised by these calls. What do folks think about this? Our forecast was for mostly wet roads w/ only "isolated" slick spots for DC south and east. Even in our western and NW areas we only expected "some" slick spots on untreated surfaces. https://t.co/uJwaVXCVbc
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) February 11, 2019

Possibly anticipating the criticism, Prince George's County Public Schools tweeted out a link Sunday night to a web page that describes their emergency notifications and school closings protocol.

"The decision to delay or close schools is not taken lightly," the web page reads. "Information about the weather is gathered from many sources, including the National Weather Service, county agencies and neighboring school districts. PGCPS transportation supervisors survey roads, school driveways and sidewalks throughout the county.

"We understand that changes to our school schedule greatly impact families — and we have made a concerted effort this year to inform you of delays and closures with as much advance notice as possible. In times when decisions are not as timely, please know we are doing our best."

(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)