Alexandria is preparing to face this weekend’s looming snowstorm, which is forecasted to bring several inches of snow to the D.C. area and has prompted Gov. Abigail Spanberger to declare a state of emergency today (Thursday).
City staff are currently brining and treating “priority routes, hills, and bridges,” in preparation for the storm, which is expected to sweep the Beltway area with 5 to 10 inches of snow between Saturday night and early Monday, according to Capital Weather Gang. Earlier today, Spanberger signed an executive order mobilizing state agencies, local governments and utility partners to coordinate preparedness and response efforts.
“Everyone should stay informed, avoid travel when possible, and take precautions to protect themselves and their families as this storm moves through our Commonwealth,” Spanberger said in the order.
Capital Weather Gang predicts “major impacts on roads, airports and businesses.” Additionally, Dominion Energy has said it is “preparing for potentially significant and widespread power outages from heavy ice and snow accumulation across Virginia,” according to a release today.
Dominion warned of a possible multi-day power restoration effort in some areas due to the potential for difficult travel conditions and damage to trees and power lines. Hundreds of personnel will be mobilized to respond, the utility said. Customers are advised to report outages through Dominion’s mobile app, website or by calling 866-366-4357.
In the event that Alexandria receives at least 8 inches of snow, the city would issue a Winter Weather Emergency, mobilizing snow removal crews in accordance with the city’s Winter Weather Emergency System. According to Alexandria Senior Communications Officer Ursula Ramos:
The City Manager has not yet declared a Winter Weather Emergency but residents should be prepared and remain aware through the City’s communications channels and alexandriava.gov/alert. Residents should be ready to move vehicles off posted snow emergency routes if a snow emergency is declared.
Residents should expect to see the most immediate activity on main roads first, with neighborhood streets addressed once higher-priority routes are passable and conditions allow. The City maintains a large network of roads so timing varies by storm intensity and duration. Residents can track progress using the City’s SnowReport system at alexandriava.gov/snowreport
The city does not begin snow removal processes until snowfall has stopped.
Road pretreatment in the city is underway as DASH is anticipating “reduced weekend service for Sunday, based on the latest forecasts,” spokesperson Caleb Keller told ALXnow.
“This determination remains subject to change depending on future weather developments and conditions on the ground,” Keller said.
For updates, residents and DASH users are encouraged to check the bus system’s Service Alerts Page and follow DASH on Bluesky. Detour routes and more information are also available on DASH’s Snow Page.
Alexandria’s DOT paratransit has also issued a winter weather service adjustment. From 5:45 a.m. Sunday through 2 a.m. Monday, “service will operate only within the fare-free (ADA-mandated) service area,” which encompasses the city and up to five miles outside city limits.
Amid the forecasts, Volunteer Alexandria is voicing an “urgent need” for more Snow Buddy Program volunteers in the 22304 zip code area. The initiative provides snow shoveling help to “eligible low-income seniors, homebound or disabled residents” who are physically unable to do so.
Meanwhile, the city’s Winter Shelter plans to extend hours from 7 p.m. on Saturday through noon on Wednesday. Updates to hours will be available to view on social media and websites for the Department of Community and Human Services and City of Alexandria. Warming centers can also be found at various recreation centers and Alexandria library branches across the city.
The city also advises residents to adhere to the following guidelines to stay safe.
- Limit travel during and immediately after the storm when possible, and plan ahead for essentials (medications, food, chargers/flashlight).
- Move vehicles off Snow Emergency Routes if restrictions are announced, and park off-street when possible to help plows and emergency vehicles move safely.
- Use the City’s SnowReport map to follow plowing progress and service updates.
- Clear sidewalks adjacent to your property within required time frames after snowfall ends, and clear curb ramps when possible.
- When it’s safe, clear around storm drains and nearby fire hydrants to help reduce flooding and support public safety access.
- Plows can leave a pile of snow at the end of your driveway. You may need to shovel that spot more than once during a big storm.
