snow | ALXnow

City’s $9.7M winter storm cost largely attributed to outside contractors

Published March 26, 2026 at 1:45PM

Pile of 'snowcrete' in February 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria spent $9.7 million on the Jan. 25 snow storm response, the bulk of which was attributed to outside contractors brought in due to the challenges of clearing “snowcrete.”

The winter storm brought about 8 inches of snow followed by hours of sleet and freezing rain that created a solid layer of ice on top. According to an after-action report presented to City Council Tuesday, contract services cost the city $8.4 million. City labor cost about $600,000, while materials, supplies, food and lodging for employees cost $700,000.

News

Snow underway following 80-degree days in Alexandria

By Emily Leayman

Published March 12, 2026 at 1:15PM

Snow falling at Four Mile Run Park on March 12, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

After several days of warmer temperatures, Alexandria is experiencing weather whiplash as snow falls today (Thursday).

Rain has turned to a mix of snow and rain in the early afternoon. The National Weather Service says the brief snowfall could become heavy at times.

News

Snowfall underway in Alexandria ahead of warmer temperatures later this week

By James Cullum

Published March 2, 2026 at 3:50PM

Snowfall at the Shoppes at Foxchase, March 2, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Snowfall has started in Northern Virginia, with about an inch or less of accumulation predicted throughout the rest of the day Monday, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

Light snow is expected through the midday and afternoon, with the steadiest snowfall lasting through 5 p.m., according to NWS. As much as an inch of snow could accumulate at unpaved surfaces throughout the D.C. metro area, NWS said in a special weather statement issued this morning (Monday).

News

All Alexandria streets are clear of snow as ACPS returns to classrooms today

By Katie Taranto

Published February 24, 2026 at 8:00AM

Wintry morning along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, Feb. 23, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria crews were quick to finish clearing Sunday’s snowfall, aided in part by some warmer temperatures and a lack of “snowcrete.”

As of last night (Monday), all primary, secondary and residential streets have been cleared, as well as Alexandria City Public Schools buildings, bus stops, city facilities and adjacent sidewalks, according to a city announcement. Roads are clear as ACPS students and staff make a return to classrooms today on normal schedules, following yesterday’s synchronous learning plans.

News

BREAKING: ACPS closed Monday as plans shift to synchronous learning

By Katie Taranto

Published February 22, 2026 at 9:50PM

Francis C. Hammond Middle School, Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools will be closed tomorrow (Monday), with students participating in synchronous learning, the school system announced tonight.

ACPS made the decision around 9:40 p.m. Sunday, shifting gears from previous plans to open with a two-hour delay due to the ongoing snow. All schools and offices will be closed, with students participating in synchronous learning and staff following a virtual workday.

News

UPDATED: ACPS will close Monday as snowfall continues

By Katie Taranto

Published February 22, 2026 at 5:25PM | Updated February 22, 2026 at 10:07PM

ACPS school buses in snowy, icy conditions, Jan. 30, 2026 (via ACPS/Facebook)

Alexandria City Public Schools has announced it will be closed tomorrow (Monday), following previous plans to open with a two-hour delay.

All schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, with students participating in synchronous learning and staff following a virtual workday. ACPS announced the decision around 9:40 p.m. Sunday, adjusting from the previously planned two-hour delay.

Weather

DEVELOPING: Alexandria preparing for Sunday storm as NWS issues Winter Weather Advisory

By ALXnow.com

Published February 21, 2026 at 3:35PM | Updated February 21, 2026 at 9:21PM

Snow and ice in February 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Between 2 and 4 inches of snowfall are expected to fall over Alexandria tomorrow (Sunday), according to a new Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service this afternoon.

A mix of rain and snow are expected during the day Sunday, which could transition into full snowfall after 10 p.m., according to the latest NWS forecast. The new advisory tells D.C.-area residents to “plan on slippery road conditions.” It will be in effect from 5 p.m. Sunday through 10 a.m. Monday, potentially affecting commutes.

News

City officials mull snow response improvements as ‘snowcrete’ removal continues

By Emily Leayman

Published February 12, 2026 at 3:45PM

Snow and 'snowcrete' in February 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

As cleanup of “snowcrete” continues from the Jan. 25 winter storm, Alexandria officials discussed progress of snow and ice removal and ways to improve the response during future winter weather events.

On Tuesday, City Manager Jim Parajon briefed City Council about the unprecedented conditions that led to a longer cleanup effort than a typical snowstorm.

News

Mayor Gaskins: Strong public messaging will be vital in future extreme weather events

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 12, 2026 at 12:00PM

Snowy day in Old Town, Jan. 25. 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Mayor Alyia Gaskins says one lesson to be learned from January’s snow and ice storm is the importance of timely messaging that reaches a large audience.

“It’s given us a lot of lessons learned,” Gaskins said at a roundtable yesterday (Wednesday) hosted by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).

News

Alexandria City School Board member suggests adding snow days after winter storm

By Emily Leayman

Published February 9, 2026 at 9:15AM

Cora Kelly Elementary School, 3600 Commonwealth Avenue, on Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

An Alexandria City School Board member has proposed starting discussions to bring back traditional snow days, after school buildings were closed for more than a week in the aftermath of last month’s winter storm.

Board member Ryan Reyna called for a discussion on potentially building snow days back into the calendar and examining flexibility of winter break start and end dates for the 2028-2029 calendar during the School Board’s Feb. 5 meeting.

News

JUST IN: ACPS will return to regular scheduling Thursday

By Katie Taranto

Published February 4, 2026 at 1:45PM

ACPS school buses in snowy, icy conditions, Jan. 30, 2026 (via ACPS/Facebook)

Alexandria City Public Schools is making a full return to regular scheduling tomorrow (Thursday) as the city continues to clear up streets and intersections.

Schools and offices will open on-time tomorrow, and all school activities and transportation plan to operate as scheduled, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced this afternoon.