WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) — The nation’s capital is notorious for struggling with winter weather conditions. Many newcomers from colder climates criticize local drivers for their difficulties navigating snowy roads and the school systems for their quick closures at the first sight of snowflakes. Now, the grandeur of Washington is being challenged by the looming threat of a significant snowstorm expected to dump up to a foot of snow in parts of the region by Monday night. This unexpected weather adds a new layer of complexity to what was already a demanding two-week period for local authorities.
For the first time, Washington, D.C. is playing host to three designated National Special Security Events within a two-week timeframe: the congressional certification of President-elect Donald Trump’s electoral win on Monday, the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter this week, and Trump’s inauguration on January 20. “This is unprecedented,” stated Matt McCool of the Secret Service’s Washington field office.
The classification of these events as National Special Security Events signifies their potential to draw large crowds and mass protests, requiring a heightened level of coordination between D.C. officials, the FBI, Secret Service, Capitol Police, and the National Guard. Following the chaos of January 6, 2021, the certification process, usually a routine affair, was upgraded to this status. Despite the heightened security measures, Monday’s certification proceeded smoothly, resembling the security protocols of a presidential State of the Union address.
McCool emphasized the familiarity of the Washington area with high-profile events but acknowledged the unique challenge posed by consecutive NSSEs. With the certification completed, attention now shifts to the elaborate state funeral proceedings for Carter this week and the preparations for the January 20 inauguration, where officials are bracing for potential confrontations between Trump supporters and opponents. A People’s March against Trump is slated for Saturday the 18th, followed by a pro-Trump rally on Sunday the 19th.
Metropolitan Police Department chief Pamela Smith affirmed the right to peaceful assembly but warned against violence, vandalism, or any actions jeopardizing the city’s safety. She announced full activation of the department from January 5, deploying additional trained officers across the District. McCool advised residents to expect heightened security measures, including increased drone surveillance, throughout the forthcoming events, despite the city typically being a no-fly zone for drones.
The immediate concern is whether the snowstorm will hinder visitors from attending Carter’s services. Flight cancellations and delays affected nearly 900 flights at Reagan National and Dulles International Airports and over 300 flights at Baltimore-Washington International Airport on Monday. Following services in Georgia, Carter’s casket is set to arrive in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for ceremonies continuing through Thursday, featuring a horse-drawn funeral procession on Tuesday.
Afternoon that could evoke memories of the cold Nov. 22, 1963 procession for John F. Kennedy. The snowfall has already led to adjustments in standard White House operations; instead of taking the Marine One helicopter on Monday, President Joe Biden had to drive to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to board Air Force One. In a move reminiscent of covert presidential visits to conflict zones, Biden’s journey to New Orleans and Los Angeles commenced inside a hangar, rather than on the tarmac as usual, due to the severe weather conditions. Air Force One was shielded from the snow within a secure hangar, and Biden took off during a brief lull in the snowfall in the early afternoon.
Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Fatima Hussein, and Darlene Superville in Washington, along with John Raby in Charleston, West Virginia, contributed to this report.
