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Thermometer and glass ball

Source: Wataru Yanagida / Getty

After a frigid Monday, Tuesday will start with bitterly cold wind chills. Several school systems in the region have announced 2-hour delaysfor Tuesday due to the predicted temperatures, including Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Rappahannock County Public Schools.

The weather is taking a toll on Metro as well: A cracked rail outside the Ballston station has the Orange and Silver lines single-tracking between East Falls Church and Ballston. Metro says that outbound trains are bypassing the Ballston station to reduce delays, and that anyone riding outbound who wants to get off at Ballston should go past it, on to East Falls Church, and then take an inbound train back in.

Metro provided a list of bus alternatives as well: the 2A to Dunn Loring, East Falls Church and Ballston; the 3T to East falls Church, West Falls Church and Ballston; the 3Y to East Falls Church, Farragut Square and McPherson Square, and the 15L to East Falls Church and Rosslyn.

As of 7 a.m., Metro said the rail would take about 90 minutes to repair.

The region got its first taste of snow with flurries on Sunday, though there was minimal accumulation.

Meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts says that an area of low pressure in the Gulf of Alaska will head towards the Gulf of Mexico, gathering energy and moisture and will transfer its energy off the coast of Carolina.At the moment, NBC Storm Team4 is keeping an eye on a weather system in the western states to see whether it could bring the D.C. area some major snow late this week.

Serious precipitation looks to start on Friday morning and continue through Saturday, Ricketts says; the precise timing and temperatures will determine the mix between rain and snow.

Snow Maiden With Crystal In A Winter Storm

Source: Diane Labombarbe / Getty

Meanwhile, the District has enacted its Cold Emergency Plan through 7 a.m. Tuesday, due to the National Weather Service’s forecast of 22 degree lows, with wind chills ranging from 10 to 15 degrees.

A Cold Emergency Plan means emergency shelters will be open, warming stations will be made available at public buildings, and free transportation will be available for transport to emergency shelters or warming sites for those who are homeless, according to the D.C. Department of Human Services.

If you see someone who needs shelter or warm clothes, there are several numbers you can call to get them some help, depending on where you are:

  • D.C.: 1-800-535-7252 or 311
  • Arlington County: 703-527-4077
  • Prince George’s County: 888-731-0999
  • Maryland Crisis Hotline: 301-662-2255
  • Montgomery County: 240-777-4000
  • Fairfax County: 703-691-2131 (non-emergency police number)

source:  WTOP.com