Washington-area federal agencies close early due to snow

The Office of Personnel Management announced Thursday afternoon that agencies in the Washington area would close two hours early due to snow and icy conditions.

Emergency employees were expected to remain at work.

The National Weather Service placed the area under a winter storm warning Thursday as snow blanketed the area, with accumulations of 3 inches to 6 inches possible, according to the agency's Web site.

OPM's announcement applies to employees, including those who telecommute, who work in executive branch agencies located inside the Capital Beltway. It does not apply to postal workers or federal contractors.

Agencies outside the Beltway and in other cities across the country announce their operating status individually.

Federal employees should monitor local media outlets or the OPM Web site for updates on the storm and the government's operating status.