OPM Announces 2-Hour Delay for D.C. Federal Agencies Due to Winter Weather
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued a two-hour delayed arrival status for federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. area for Monday, February 23, 2026. This decision follows winter weather conditions that have impacted regional travel and safety. Federal employees have been granted options for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework to accommodate the adjusted schedule.
TL;DR
- Federal agencies in the D.C. area are operating on a two-hour delayed arrival.
- OPM has authorized unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework for eligible employees.
- D.C. Public Schools are also operating on a two-hour delay, while D.C. government offices open on time.
- The delay aims to ensure commuter safety following overnight winter weather.
What Happened
On February 22, 2026, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) officially updated the operating status for federal offices in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The status was changed to "Open – 2 Hours Delayed Arrival" effective for Monday, February 23. This announcement came in response to winter weather systems moving through the Mid-Atlantic region, which resulted in snow accumulation and hazardous road conditions across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Key Developments
The OPM directive specifies that employees should arrive at their worksites no later than two hours after their normal arrival time. Under this status, non-emergency employees may opt for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework for the entire workday or for the period of the delay. D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) followed suit, announcing their own two-hour delay for students and staff. In contrast, the District of Columbia primary government confirmed it would open on its regular schedule without a delay.
Why This Matters
The federal government is the largest employer in the Washington, D.C. region, and operating status changes affect hundreds of thousands of workers. These delays are implemented to reduce traffic density during peak icing hours and allow road crews to clear primary transit routes. The decision also coordinates with regional school delays, assisting employees with childcare adjustments necessitated by the weather.
What Happens Next
Federal employees are expected to follow their agency-specific protocols regarding telework and leave requests. Regional transit authorities, including WMATA, will continue to monitor track and road conditions throughout the morning. OPM typically revisits operating status by the evening if weather conditions persist, but currently, a return to normal operations is expected for the following business day.
FAQ
What is the OPM status for today?
The OPM status for Monday, February 23, is "Open – 2 Hours Delayed Arrival." This means federal offices are open, but employees are instructed to arrive two hours later than their scheduled time.
Can federal employees telework during the delay?
Yes, OPM has authorized the option for unscheduled telework. Employees must notify their supervisors of their intent to telework according to their agency's policies.
Are D.C. Public Schools closed or delayed?
D.C. Public Schools are operating on a two-hour delay for Monday, February 23. This aligns with the delays seen in many surrounding suburban school districts.
Does the 2-hour delay apply to emergency employees?
No, emergency employees are typically expected to report to their worksites on time unless otherwise directed by their specific agency. They should follow their designated emergency procedures.
