The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has been diligently monitoring the weather conditions and making crucial decisions regarding the operating status of federal offices in the Washington, D.C. area. In response to the recent winter storms, the OPM has issued updates that significantly impact federal employees and the broader community.
On Monday, January 27, 2026, the OPM announced that federal offices in the DC area would be closed due to the severe weather conditions. This decision was made in line with the governmentwide dismissal and closure policy, which OPM updated in December 2025. The closure affects most cabinet departments and many federal offices, ensuring the safety and security of the federal workforce and the National Capital Region community.
For federal employees outside the DC metro area affected by the winter storm, individual agencies are responsible for deciding their operating status. This decentralized approach allows for more tailored responses to local conditions, ensuring that each agency can make informed decisions based on its specific circumstances. For the latest information, employees are encouraged to check the OPM DC Status app or visit the OPM's official page.
The operating status decisions reflect a careful balance between ensuring the safety and security of the federal workforce and preserving continuity of government operations to the greatest extent possible. This balance is achieved through coordination and information sharing among key stakeholders, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and the Metropolitan Area Transportation Operations Coordination (MATOC) .
The OPM uses several specific operating statuses to communicate employee expectations during a disruption. A "Closed" status, as seen on Monday, means that federal offices are shut down for the day, and non-emergency employees scheduled to report to a worksite are generally excused from duty. This status ensures that employees are not put at risk while also maintaining essential services where possible.
The decision to close federal offices is part of a broader strategy to manage the impact of winter storms on government operations. The OPM's announcements provide a real-time look at the current operating status for federal government offices in the Washington, DC area, helping employees and the public stay informed about any changes or disruptions.
As the weather conditions evolve, the OPM will continue to update the operating status, ensuring that federal employees are informed and prepared. The agency's proactive approach to managing winter storms highlights its commitment to maintaining government operations while prioritizing the safety of its workforce. Federal employees are advised to stay tuned to the OPM's communications for the latest updates and guidance.
