The City of Alexandria has declared a Snow Emergency ahead of this weekend’s forecasted winter storm, requiring all vehicles to be removed from the city’s snow emergency routes by 10 p.m. tonight (Saturday).
An estimated 7 to 14 inches of “widespread significant snow” and sleet are expected to fall over the D.C. region this evening, leading to potential ice on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. In Alexandria, parking will be prohibited on the city’s snow emergency routes to allow for plowing and treatment.
Past 10 p.m., vehicles left on the following emergency routes, which are designated by red and white signage, “may be ticketed or towed,” according to a city announcement.
- King Street (Union Street to western City limit)
- Washington Street (City limit to City limit)
- Duke Street (Washington Street to western City limit)
- U.S. Route 1 (City limit to City limit)
- Braddock Road (North West Street to Beauregard Street)
- Howard Street (Braddock Road to Jordan Street)
- Jordan Street (Duke Street to Howard Street)
- Eisenhower Avenue (Holland Lane to Van Dorn Street)
Tonight’s Winter Storm Warning goes into effect at 11 p.m. and is expected to last through 4 a.m. Monday. Power outages and tree damage are “likely” due to forecasted ice, while travel could be “nearly impossible,” NWS advises, recommending residents to delay travel.
The hazardous conditions could potentially continue into Monday morning, affecting commutes.
“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” NWS wrote. “The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.”
Alexandria’s emergency declaration follows a state of emergency issued by Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Thursday. The order has since been approved by President Donald Trump, authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide assistance to the state and localities.
The agency is “authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency,” FEMA said this morning in a press release. “Emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program, will be provided at 75% federal funding.”
Faced with a potentially devastating storm, FEMA this week has suspended ongoing firings of disaster response and recovery workers. Approximately 300 employees have been let go so far this month, as the Department of Homeland Security opted not to renew their contracts, CNN reported.
Alexandria crews began pretreating roads on Thursday, focusing on ice-prone areas like hills, bridges and overpasses. Yesterday (Friday), pretreatments were conducted at local schools, Metrorail stations and recreation facilities.
The city’s Winter Shelter at 2355-A Mill Road has extended hours until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, and warming centers are available at the city’s recreation centers and library branches. Hours of operation are listed on the city’s website.
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.
The City of Alexandria’s website will continue to offer up-to-date information about operations and active weather alerts for residents.
