Mayor Vince Gray isn’t rushing to make any decisions on whether the city government and schools would be closed Wednesday, but he said at a press conference this afternoon that residents can expect a decision to be made by the 11 p.m. news broadcasts Tuesday night.

The freezing temperatures are expected to last through the week, though, no matter what happens with the snow. Officials are most concerned about minimizing the number of cars on the road and getting the homeless off the streets.

“We will use all legal means to ensure their safety,” said Paul Quander, deputy mayor of public safety and justice.

The city has set up three emergency shelters tonight for those in need: Columbia Heights Community Center, Kennedy Recreation Center, and Banneker Recreation Center.

For those who don’t want to go to a shelter, buses will be used as warming stations at 5th and C streets NW, Union Station, 27th and K streets NW, 24th and L streets NW, and 1700 H S. NW.

If residents see someone on the street, they are encouraged to call the Hypothermia Hotline at (800) 535-7252 or 311.

Photo via NASA