The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) says drivers heading out for the holidays should consider starting a little early, with heavy storms likely to affect travel over the next few days.
In an alert, VDOT said today is the best day to travel, given the forecast.
“Drivers should expect roads to be impacted Thursday and Friday,” VDOT said. “Today will be the best day for holiday travel. Adjust travel plans and avoid all nonessential travel during the height of the storm. This helps to avoid deteriorating conditions and to allow crews room to work.”
VDOT said crews are already pretreating and brining roads, with trucks deployed early Thursday morning to treat roads as needed.
According to the release:
Please continue to monitor forecasts closely as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly. The National Weather Service forecast shows winter weather will impact the region from overnight Wednesday through Friday. The forecast shows the potential for periods of freezing rain and sleet, as well as below-freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and high winds. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for western Loudoun County starting at 4 a.m. Thursday.
Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued an areal flood watch for Alexandria, advising locals not to drive through water on roadways and to avoid small streams.
Snow started falling at around 2:45 p.m. on Friday (Jan. 28) in Alexandria, as the city remains under a Winter Weather Advisory until 4 a.m. Saturday.
The National Weather Service says that the snow could lead to slippery road conditions for the evening commute. One inch of snow is expected.
“The steadiest snow is expected late this afternoon through this evening,” NWS said in the advisory. “Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute.”
Temperatures are expected to fall to 23 degrees this evening.
Here are our current winter weather headlines. Accumulating snow across these areas will impact the evening commute. For the latest info: https://t.co/ZOlvESgJ2H #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/manXf3zrt3
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 28, 2022
Alexandria City Public Schools will provide synchronous, virtual learning Thursday after a Winter Weather Advisory warned there may be 2 to 3 inches of snow in the morning.
Class times will include live instruction through Zoom and independent work. All essential personnel must still report to schools, if it is safe to do so.
ACPS advised parents to check students’ Canvas or Clever account no later than 8 a.m. Thursday for specifics about their schedule.
ACPS has implemented virtual instruction for some inclement weather days this year, possibly making snow days a thing of the past. Fairfax County Public Schools similarly announced it would go virtual Thursday as well. And in Arlington, a full school closure was announced for tomorrow, using its last traditional allotted snow day.
Winter Weather Alert for Thurs, 1/20/22–ACPS will provide synchronous virtual learning. All schools and offices will be closed for in-person learning & activities. ❄️ https://t.co/lZ8TzPzFle pic.twitter.com/aml9OkuPHK
— Alexandria City Public Schools (@ACPSk12) January 19, 2022
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Alexandria and its neighbors ahead of snow expected tomorrow (Thursday) morning.
The advisory is set for 6 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday morning, with the city expected to get two-three inches of snow in the morning with a chance for more in the afternoon.
If it does snow, it will be the third snow of the year for Alexandria. The city received a fairly light dusting this past weekend that followed a severe snowstorm earlier this month.
See the full advisory below:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 1 PM EST
THURSDAY…* WHAT…Snow. Snow accumulations of up to two inches with locally
higher amounts around three inches possible.* WHERE…The District of Columbia, portions of central, northern
and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia.* WHEN…From 6 AM to 1 PM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions will impact the morning commute.* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Precipitation will start as rain and then
switch over to snow during the Thursday morning commute.
Instructions: Slow down and use caution while traveling. When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Target Area:
Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria
Fairfax
Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park
Southern Fauquier
Spotsylvania
Stafford
NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the City of Alexandria, effective until 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20. Find information about how to prepare for winter weather. https://t.co/76kuTJasQf
— AlexandriaVAOEM (@AlexandriaVAOEM) January 19, 2022
Nearly a fortnight after a snowstorm shut down Alexandria, the city’s emergency services finished pretreating local roads just before the snow started to fall.
“In advance of the storm, T&ES completed pretreatment of roads and snow response operations were deployed at 7:00 a.m.,” Alexandria Transportation and Environmental Services said on Twitter. “Snow response operates for 24 hours through the duration of winter weather events and staff will continue to monitor the weather conditions as the event ensues.”
Locals are already reporting that the snow is starting to stick.
Snow starting to stick in #AlexandriaVA #snowday #snowsnowsnow https://t.co/t6J7CJ5IPg
— Port City Wire (@portcitywire) January 16, 2022
Snow has started in the Northern Virginia District! ❄️ Take a virtual tour via our traffic cameras from our southernmost District point (Russell Rd/Quantico South Gate) up to near the Mixing Bowl. It’s a great time to stay off the roads! pic.twitter.com/PXmXd2lwQ9
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) January 16, 2022
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Alexandria and the immediate D.C. area.
From the National Weather Service:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 AM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of The District of Columbia, central, north central, northeast and northern Maryland and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 1 PM this afternoon to 1 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
The big story this week was snow.
A snowstorm on Monday had the city working at clearing roads and putting weather-affected services back into play. There was a smaller dusting of snow last night, though it didn’t have nearly the same level of impact.
Alexandria City Public Schools went virtual for the first three days of the week as well. Thursday was closed for students as a teacher workday, and both teachers and staff had today off.
Of course, Alexandria wasn’t alone in dealing with the snowstorm: similar operations were underway this week in Arlington and Fairfax.
Top Stories:
- Comcast working on fixing widespread internet service outages caused by fire and snowstorm
- JUST IN: Officials investigate fire at Jordan Street 7-Eleven
- PHOTOS: Scenes from today’s snowstorm in Alexandria
- Winter Weather Advisory issued ahead of Thursday night snow
- Power outage hits North Ridge neighborhood as weather topples trees and power lines
- DEVELOPING: Winter weather conditions shut down city services and some streets
- ACPS cancels school in Alexandria for students, but staff will have a virtual workday
- School closed tomorrow as students and staff both get proper snow day
- ACPS goes to virtual schooling Monday ahead of expected snow
- Alexandria Restaurant Week returns this month with new dining options
Trash and recycling collection has been suspended for the rest of the week as the city prepares for potential snow tonight just days after Monday’s snowstorm.
The city has previously said trash collection days would operate a day or two behind schedule, but a press release from the City of Alexandria today noted that the city is dealing with a perfect storm of issues hindering trash-recovery operations.
“Due to staffing shortages caused by COVID-19, safety issues related to the forecasted overnight snow and to prioritize resources to prepare for and respond to the inclement weather, curbside recycling, trash, yard waste and Christmas tree collection will not take place this week,” the city said in the release. “There will be no sliding of routes and days as previously communicated. Collection crews will be mobilized tonight and tomorrow to support and respond to the forecasted snow tomorrow.”
The city asked that residents hold their trash until collection resumes next week, but for urgent disposals, the city said residents can drop off small amounts of trash free-of-charge at the COVANTA Waste-to-Energy Facility (5301 Eisenhower Ave.) Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The city noted those hours could change based on weather conditions.
“City crews continue to respond to tree and brush damage due to Monday’s storm,” the release said. “The City has added arborist contractor resources and is adding bulk yard waste collection resources to assist in the collection of tree and brush. City refuse collection customers who need tree and brush collection will be able to submit a request via Alex311. Items must be properly prepared for collection to be picked up by City crews.”
It was the best of times and the worst of times for many Alexandrians this week.
Monday’s snowstorm shut down many services around the area — delaying trash pickup, canceling bus service, and more — but also offered some winter fun around Alexandria.
Alexandria students didn’t quite get snow days on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday — with Alexandria City Public Schools going to virtual learning — but students had today off while staff still had to work.
If you’re more in the anti-snow camp a word of warning: there’s more expected tonight.
Just three days after a snowstorm hit Alexandria, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an advisory that more snow could be incoming tomorrow night.
A winter weather advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday) to 5 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 7.
The NWS warned to expect a total snow accumulation of around 2-4 inches, with isolated amounts of 5 inches possible and the heaviest snowfall expected between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. The advisory covers much of the D.C. area, including Alexandria.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the NWS warned. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute.”
From NWS:
233 PM EST Wed Jan 5 2022
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THURSDAY TO 5 AM EST FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Snow. Total snow accumulations 2 to 4 inches. Isolated high amounts of around 5 inches are possible.
* WHERE…The District of Columbia, portions of northern and central Maryland, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 9 PM Thursday to 5 AM EST Friday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The heaviest snow is expected between 10 PM and 2 AM when snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour are possible.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings have been posted for Thursday night into Friday morning. For more information regarding this event, see our winter weather page at: https://t.co/FdluCAnbTi #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/dfFj47cQZX
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 5, 2022
A day after 10 inches of snow was dumped on the region, 95% of Alexandria’s primary roadways are now “passable”, according to the City’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.
The Department also tweeted that 65% of the city’s secondary streets are passable, and that crews are working toward intermediate streets. There are also still three open requests to clear away snow from the city’s Arlandria neighborhood, according to the city.
The storm led to a two-day closure of the city government and virtual learning for Alexandria City Public Schools.
Still, the Alexandria Fire Department says the were no “unusual” storm-related calls for service.
“Like our neighboring mutual aid partners, AFD was very busy on Jan. 3 during the heavy snow,” AFD Senior Public Information Officer Raytevia Evans told ALXnow. “With our Logistics Section running the snow plow and our maintenance shop available to work through any mechanical issues that came up, we were able to work through delays due to the weather.”
Evans continued, “There were no particularly unusual calls related to weather, but the department remained busy throughout the day.”
ROADS UPDATE: City crews report that 95% of primary roads are now passable, with 65% of secondary streets passable. Crews are now beginning to move into intermediate streets in some zones. To check the status of snow removal, please visit https://t.co/4s2mRN4Wir. pic.twitter.com/kxkWTsibg1
— Alexandria T&ES (@AlexandriaVATES) January 4, 2022
Alexandrians- I am going to ask the City Manager & head of @AlexandriaVATES to give council & community a briefing on Snow Storm response at an upcoming mtg, so that we understand the complexities of our city staff's coordinated response & know what to expect for & after snow. https://t.co/8iranIecZm
— John Taylor Chapman (@j_chapman99) January 4, 2022
Photo via John Antonielli
