HOW TO GET AROUND in the snow on Monday, January 25, 2016

WASHINGTON - The cleanup has begun and the D.C. region is trying to slowly get back to normal after the blizzard of 2016.

But on Monday -- not all areas will yet be accessible and not all services will be back to full speed.

Here is a list of how you can get around safely on Monday if you have to return to work and school.

Before you leave the house, check our full list of CLOSINGS and DELAYS: http://www.fox5dc.com/closings.You might find out you can take another snow day!

WALK

If you can leave the cars behind and walk to school and work -- you are already ahead of the game. Many streets are clear enough to make your way slowly down the sidewalks. But you may run into some un-cleared areas -- so bundle up, wear boots, and prepare to take the long way around if you run into obstacles. Give yourself plenty of extra time, especially on the first day back.

Some areas will be clear down to the pavement -- but beware of ice. Melting snow probably froze overnight and some areas could be slippery. Today's highs will be in the upper 30s and temps will briefly get above freezing -- so more melting is possible.

DRIVE

The main highways -- like Interstates 95 and 495 -- are clear and passable. Be careful driving on them -- take it slow -- and look for slippery ice patches. The one problem you might have may be at the interstate on and off ramps. Beware of snow build up at the exits and entrances that passing snow plows may have left behind. If you come along an impassable entrance or exit ramp - stay in your car and call for help. Don't get out of your car and don't backup in the wrong direction.

The main arteries into and out of the surrounding cities and counties will probably be passable, however, some areas may not yet have been treated. Be safe and use good judgement while traveling these roads.

Side streets are hit or miss. Some have been plowed down to the pavement -- some have had only one pass -- others are untouched. Don't chance driving down these streets at all. Park on a main road and walk through side streets.

Track the plows and see what is clear and what is not in your area: http://www.fox5dc.com/weather/80288608-story

METRO RAIL

Fares will not be charged on Metrorail on Monday, January 25.

LINK: http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/metro_service_status/advisories.cfm?AID=5401

METRO BUS

Metrobus service will operate Monday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. on "Lifeline Service," meaning SERVICE WILL BE LIMITED TO 22 ROUTES ONLY. Additionally, many of these routes will operate on snow emergency routes only to keep vehicles off hilly terrain, narrow side streets and other problem areas. Details will be posted at wmata.com and sent via MetroAlerts.

Buses will operate from origin points every 30 minutes on a "clockface" schedule with departures at :00 and :30 each hour. The last trips will depart at 5 p.m. and operate to the end of the route.
Fares will not be charged on Metrobus on Monday, January 25.

The Lifeline Service bus routes are as follows. Note that these buses will operate on the planned snow detour routes (maps linked) only:

District of Columbia: 32, 33, 36, 53, 70, 90, A6, A8, S4, U8, V4, X2
Maryland: C4, D12, K6, P12, Q2, Y2, Z8
Virginia: 16A, 16E, 28A

MetroAccess

All MetroAccess service is SUSPENDED on Monday, January 25. Service will be restored when it is safe to do so; however, a time for service restoration is not yet known.

Parking

Metro Transit Police will not enforce overnight parking restrictions Sunday or Monday, and parking gates will remain in the open position through 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to allow vehicles to exit garages free of charge. Parking fees are expected to go back in effect Tuesday, January 26.

LINK: http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/metro_service_status/advisories.cfm?AID=5401

AIRPORTS

At least one runway will be open Monday morning at Reagan National (http://www.flyreagan.com/dca/reagan-national-airport) and at Dulles International (http://www.flydulles.com/iad/dulles-international-airport).

BWI's website (http://www.bwiairport.com/en) lists plenty of cancellations. Many flights, however, are scheduled to leave on time.