25 percent of D.C. plows out of commission

As many as 60 of the District's snow plows are not working -- bad news for thousands of residents still waiting for their streets to be cleared.

According to an internal email obtained by WTOP, 25 percent of the District's snow plow fleet is down and they're having trouble getting replacement parts.

D.C. is also now rationing their salt supply.

The email states they'll have enough to get through the upcoming storm. DDOT has 9,000 tons of salt on hand, with another 32,000 tons coming in soon. The city normally has 40-50,000 tons of salt onhand.

The email also raises concerns about staffing issues. Crews have been working non-stop since the blizzard on Friday.

Plows will continue to salt streets to prevent re-freezing overnight.

DDOT is also working to get Bobcats and other front loaders to help with snow removal.

Read the email here:

From: DC HSEMA Alert [mailto:hsema182497@rsan.dc.gov]
Sent: Monday, February 08, 2010 11:28 PM
To: DC RSAN Recipients

Subject: snow conference call at 8:PM Feb 8, 2010

HSEMA Weather update:

* 10-20 inches predicted for storm starting on Tuesday; DC could get 5-10 or 10-20

* NWS has wavered on start time; saying heaviest snow will fall between 7pm and midnight

* 60% chance of snowfall beginning around Noon; 80% chance of beginning around 4pm

* No significant accumulation on the roads until after 7pm due to temps being in the 30's

* PM rush hour could be challenging

DDOT/DPW:

* Neil is concerned about personnel issues; staff has been working non-stop for days

* Staffing levels remain steady; staff is working in shifts of 12 hours on/12 hours off; snow command center remains fully staffed

* Downed equipment continues to be an issue; 50-60 plows which represent 25% of snow removal fleet are currently in the shop

* Obtaining parts continues to be an issue; parts are being rationed throughout the region

* Prioritizing repairs on equipment used for clearing streets

* Obtaining Bobcats and front loaders from Capital Paving to assist with snow removal

* WASA has provided 4 front loaders; may also obtain a dumb truck from WASA to assist with hauling

* Hauling snow is a big issue as well

* Have enough salt to get thru the next snow event; salt still being rationed

* Currently have 9,000 lbs on hand; another 32,000 lbs coming in

* Continuing to drop salt to help prevent refreezing overnight

* Will close out current storm at 12 Midnight and start on operations for approaching storm

DRES

* Properties looking good

* Helped FEMS and schools today

* Dropping additional ice melt and salt in preparation for approaching storm

* Has Bobcats from DPW to assist with snow removal for next event

* Has all the staff needed for next event

* Snow plow truck is broken; has a loaner from WASA to fill gap

DPR

* Completed verification for tonight

* Comfortable with level of readiness for the next event

* Main concern right now is opening on Wednesday

* Contractors, staff and volunteers are helping

* Already started pre-treating today for next event; 30% completed

* Planning to open warming centers (at least 4) and pools for next event

* Banneker and Columbia Heights may need sheltering staff and resources (possible use as shelter sites by DHS); others will be staffed with DPR personnel

*

DHS

* Working with Metrobus to determine operational capabilities

* Has food for shelters for Tuesday and Wednesday

* Planning to operate 5 shelters

* Staffing levels expected to be low; may need assistance with transporting staff

* Income Maintenance staffing levels low

WASA

* Ready and prepared for next event

* Have delegated some resources to DDOT and DPW

* Operating on liberal leave; essential staff on site and prepared to stay over

DOH

* Hospitals are having staffing issues, particularly with limited Metro service

* All facilities are reportedly okay

* Hospitals are reactivating emergency operations plans

* Dialysis centers are making changes as necessary

* Requesting plowing of areas around hospitals for emergency ingress/egress

National Guard

* Weekend soldiers stood down; additional 12 activated this evening, particularly for FEMS and MPD support

* 2 humvees assigned to MPD ( 1 for District 6 and 1 for District 7)

* 2 humvees assigned to FEMS (Engine 15)

* Standing up @ 12 Noon tomorrow for next event

NWS

* Winter storm warning goes into effect at Noon on Tuesday

* Accumulation before sunset will be an inch or less; up to an inch by 6 /7pm; an additional 4 inches expected to fall before Midnight

* Snowfall heaviest after sunrise through Noon on Wednesday

* Total accumulation predicted to be 12-16 inches for the District by Wednesday afternoon

* Winds light until sunrise on Wednesday then stronger winds will kick in (20-30mph) Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night

Office on Aging

* Will verify clearance of Bryant St SE to ensure Nutrition, Inc. is capable of delivering meals

* Volunteers from Serve DC have provided snow removal services as requested

Serve DC

* 18 houses have been served today

* 3 houses are scheduled for tomorrow

MOCRS

* Verification of DPR and DCPS properties completed

* Tried to get to problem streets with little progress

WTOP's Mark Segraves contributed to this story.

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