Dem meeting won't be stopped by snow, sleet

The winter storm approaching Washington won't disrupt the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting, organizers said today.

“We're closely monitoring the weather situation, but we're continuing as planned,” a DNC spokesman said.

Some 3 to 5 inches of snow is predicted to fall on Washington on Friday, with 10 to 16 inches possibly accumulating overnight, according to the National Weather Service, which has issued a winter storm warning for the region. Snow will continue to fall on Saturday.

Party officials from around the country started gathering Thursday at the Capital Hilton for the start of the three-day session. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will address members on Friday, President Obama and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine will speak Saturday.

Federal agencies will be open Friday, but operating on an "unscheduled leave" policy, according to the Office of Personnel Management. Federal employees must notify their supervisors if they intend to take the day off.