On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the federal government in Washington, D.C. took the decision to close down all non-essential offices in anticipation of severe thunderstorms and the looming risk of flooding.
This preemptive measure was in response to a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service, which had predicted the potential of as much as 6 inches of rainfall in certain areas. Alongside heavy rainfall, the approaching storm carried the added threats of strong winds and hail.
The scope of this closure encompassed not only federal agencies within the District of Columbia itself but also those located in the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia. However, there was an exemption in place for personnel deemed essential, such as those working within law enforcement, public safety, and national security – they were still required to fulfill their duties despite the adverse weather conditions.
For the city of Washington, D.C., such comprehensive closures due to weather-related concerns are a rarity. The most recent precedent harked back to 2018 when an imposing snowstorm struck the region, forcing a comparable shutdown.
