The Washington D.C. area is finally thawing out after experiencing one of the most prolonged periods of extreme cold and icy conditions in recent memory. For almost 20 consecutive days, temperatures in the region struggled to climb above freezing, with wind chill factors frequently dipping close to zero. This extended cold snap led to the freezing of smaller bodies of water such as creeks and ponds, as well as larger waterways, creating scenes not witnessed since 1994.