the streets of d.c. now are deserted because everything in in town revolves around the federal government. buses and trains are running for now. commuters are being warned that might not be the case when it is time to go home. our nation's treasures inside the smithsonian because museums will be open on time but they say they might close early. one international attraction can not be seen today, the panda cub, bao bao who made the debut this weekend because the national museum is closed. >> i would like to see her. i have one idea, snow boots. >> reporter: i've got mine on. martha: midwest they have had a tough time out there. how is that looking today? >> reporter: martha, they gaat half a foot of lake-effect snow. parts of chicago were getting two inches an hour. that is all heading this way, so is bitterly cold air. parts of illinois barely in the