Federal government open Friday, to close at noon

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The federal government has announced that it will be closing its offices in the Washington, D.C., area at noon Friday as the nation's capital braces for what could be a historic blizzard.

The Office of Personnel Management says offices will be open Friday morning, although non-emergency employees have the option to telework or use unscheduled leave.

Those who do come into work are being told they must leave before noon, when all federal offices will be closed.

The National Weather Service says more than 2 feet of snow could land on Washington Friday and Saturday. States of emergency have been declared in five states and the District of Columbia.