D.C. Commute Expected To Be Challenging After Storm

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington-area residents and local leaders are preparing for a difficult Monday morning commute in parts of the region because of storm damage.

Montgomery County is expected to be especially difficult for drivers. Officials say there were more than 400 dark traffic signals in Montgomery on Sunday afternoon, including major intersections in Rockville, Gaithersburg and Silver Spring.

Charlie Gischlar with the Maryland State Highway Administration says people driving to the nation's capital from Maryland need to allow a lot of extra time. He says mass transit is a better option.

Metrorail trains and commuter trains are expected to run as scheduled but are likely to experience major delays because of road closures and signal outages.

High-occupancy vehicle restrictions will be lifted on eastbound Interstate 66 inside the Capital Beltway.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)