Park service closes National Mall in DC ahead of big storm

(AP) -- The National Park Service says the National Mall in Washington will be closed all weekend due to an approaching winter storm.

The agency said in a statement that the mall and related memorials will be closed from noon Friday at least through Sunday.

During the closure, sites will not be staffed by park rangers and restrooms and other facilities will be closed, but U.S. Park Police will be on duty.

The agency says crews will work around the clock throughout the storm to clear roads, parking lots and walkways around the memorials, and sidewalks.

The agency says it will decide before Monday whether to reopen the mall next week.

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