The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning in Alexandria and the D.C. region this morning, advising of potential power outages and tree damage due to forecasted ice.
The warning, in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Monday, advises of heavy precipitation and as much as 14 inches in total sleet and snow accumulations across D.C., Northern Virginia and central, northeast and northern Maryland. It’s an elevation from NWS’ previous Winter Storm Watch in the area.
“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice,” according to NWS. “Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.”
Alexandria crews began pretreating roads yesterday (Thursday), and continue to brine critical roadways this morning, “with a focus on ice-prone areas such as hills, bridges, and overpasses,” according to a city press release.
Crews are also conducting pretreatments at schools, Metrorail stations and recreation facilities.
Alex311, the city’s customer service program, will remain open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays to respond to requests during and after the storm. Its online system is open to requests 24/7.
Dominion warned of potential multi-day power restoration efforts in some areas in a release yesterday. The utility advised customers to report outages through its mobile app, website or by calling 866-366-4357.
The City of Alexandria’s website will continue to offer up-to-date information about operations and active weather alerts for residents.
The full NWS warning is available, below.
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 P.M. SATURDAY TO 4 A.M. EST MONDAY.
* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 7 and 14 inches, with highest in the far northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore. Ice accumulations between one and two tenths of an inch.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, northeast, and northern Maryland, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 PM Saturday to 4 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow will likely overspread the area Saturday night, becoming heavy at times with rates of one to two inches per hour possible at times. A mix with sleet or freezing rain is expected Sunday. Significant icing is possible especially south of Highway 50. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times. A prolonged period wind chills in the teens and single digits is likely beginning this evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times.
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
