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Weather Update: Expect Another Inch of Snow and Slippery Conditions

Much of the heavy snowfall has left the area, and Alexandria remains under a Winter Weather Advisory until 6 a.m. Friday.

As of 1:05 p.m., the National Weather Service said the region should expect up to another inch of snow and sleet and up to one tenth of an inch of ice.

The Alexandria Fire Department says that no accidents have been reported since 9 p.m. Wednesday night.

“The roads are pretty clear, and T&ES and a number of other departments are continuing to monitor the situation and keep us updated,” AFD spokesperson Raytevia Evans told ALXnow. “For the most part, there hasn’t been a serious uptick in fire calls or EMS calls.”

Temperatures will be in the low 30s tonight, and are expected to climb to 41 degrees on Friday. No hazardous weather is anticipated for Friday through Wednesday.

“Plan on slippery road conditions,” NWS advised. “The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute… 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.”

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Snow: Up to 6 Inches of Snow and Ice Expected in Alexandria

Three-to-six inches of snow and ice are expected in Alexandria, as the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning that will remain in effect from 3 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. on Friday.

The NWS predicts heavy snow with sleet and freezing rain throughout the region, and up to a quarter of an inch of ice. The snowfall is expected to start between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. and the snow will turn into sleet in the late morning and early afternoon hours.

“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice,” NWS said. ” Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute… The highest ice accumulation is most likely east of Interstate 95.”

NWS recommends that travelers keep flashlights, food and water in case of an emergency.

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Winter Snow Watch Issued for Alexandria Until Friday Morning

Up to five inches of snow and up to a quarter of an inch of ice is being anticipated Thursday and Friday in Alexandria.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region that will be in effect from 3 a.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. on Friday.

“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 morning or evening commute.”

The East Coast is being hard hit with ice and snow, and 36 states around the country are reportedly observing weather alerts.

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More Snow: Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Alexandria

Up to four inches of snow is expected to fall over Alexandria tonight, and the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for region that will remain in effect from 7 p.m. today until 10 a.m. Thursday.

“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute,” NWS said in the alert. “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.”

NWS said to expect two-to-four inches snow, possibly mixed with sleet and rain at times. Additionally, there is a “slight winter threat” for this Saturday and next Tuesday, which is the day after the President’s Day holiday on Monday.

“If these threats materialize, it may cause travel disruptions,” NWS said.

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Morning Notes

Carjacking at Gunpoint Near Potomac Yard — “The Alexandria Police Dept. is investigating a carjacking in the 400 block of Calvert Ave. It happened just before 5pm. Victim’s vehicle stolen at gunpoint. No injuries were reported. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]

Port City Brewing Co. Turns 10 — “We can’t celebrate 10 years of PCBC w/ a big in-person event so we’ve put together a Virtual Event to celebrate 10 years. The Anniversary video includes a message from our Founder, a Tasting Room update, 2021 beers, & a Colossal X tasting w/ a brewer!” [Twitter]

Dozens of Trees Planted at Four Mile Run Park — “55 trees were installed along the eastern edge of Four Mile Run Park. At maturity, the tree buffer will improve sightlines, expand habitat fauna, and create shady areas for park and trail users to enjoy. We look forward to seeing this project continue to grow!” [Twitter]

Snow Sculpture in Oronoco Bay Park Honors Disappeared Duck — “Thus, when the snow came down in Alexandria Monday, February 1, Robert decided to pay homage to Lex by sculpting the Snow Duck, which he named Lex Jr.” [Zebra]

Today’s Weather — “Sunshine and some clouds (during the day). High 38F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph… Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 28F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]

New Job: Tennis Instructor — ” We are looking for positive coaches with communicative, motivated, life-experienced/educated, and relevant qualifications. We value diversity. Your work here is both independent and team collaborative. You will be a key valued team member.” [Indeed]

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Weather Alert: Up to Three Inches of Snow Expected in Alexandria

For the second Sunday in a row, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning until noon in Alexandria and the surrounding area, as the city is expected to receive up to three inches of snow.

“Plan on slippery road conditions,” NWS said in its alert on Sunday morning. “Visibility will be reduced to around one- quarter mile at times through late this morning. Temperatures will rise well above freezing this afternoon, but temperatures will fall quickly below freezing this evening.”

NWS recommends slowing down and using caution while traveling.

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ALXnow’s Top Stories this Week in Alexandria

What a news-filled week in Alexandria.

Things got off to a snowy start on Monday and Tuesday, as the city was under a winter weather advisory.

Our top post was a poll regarding the proposed Heritage Development in Old Town. Nearly 1,500 people voted, and 52% don’t have a problem with it. The development was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission and now goes to City Council for consideration.

One of the most important stories of the week was the decision announced Thursday to resume in-person classes at Alexandria City Public Schools on March 16.

On the coronavirus front, there has been an additional death since Monday’s weekly COVID-19 update. The death toll from the virus now stands at 105, and the number of cases is 9,630. That’s more than 500 cases since Monday. The city’s seven-day moving average is now at 41.1 cases, which is down 14 cases since Monday. Additionally, there are more than 30,000 city residents on the waiting list to get the vaccine.

This week, Alexandria Police mourned the loss of parking enforcement officer Edward Bonds to COVID-19. This is the department’s first death due to complications from the virus.

In case you missed them, here are some important stories from the week:

  1. Alexandria Boxer Troy Isley Goes Pro With Big Fight Next Week
  2. Psychologist Lauren Fisher Elected Del Ray Business Association President
  3. Overhaul of Eisenhower Baseball Field Up to Bat at Planning Commission
  4. From Layoff to Liquorice: West End Business Owner Creates Candy Store Amid Pandemic
  5. Just In: James Lewis Files Paperwork to Enter City Council Race

Here are our top stories this week in Alexandria:

  1. Poll: What Do You Think of the Proposed Heritage Development in Old Town
  2. New West End Residential Development Headed to Planning Commission
  3. Heritage Project Now Goes to City Council After Unanimous Planning Commission Approval
  4. BREAKING: Councilman Mo Seifeldein Running for Alexandria Mayor, Hatch Act Conflict in Question
  5. Poll: Should the City’s Taylor Run Stream Restoration Project Go Forward?
  6. Revamped ‘ESP’ on King Street Ditches Old Ownership and Controversies
  7. Stream Restoration in Alexandria Attracts a Deluge of Controversy
  8. ACPS: Community is Generally Opposed to Affordable Housing at T.C. Expansion
  9. Just In: ‘QAnon Shaman’ from Capitol Siege Transferred to Alexandria Jail
  10. Weather Alert: Up to Eight Inches of Snow Expected in Alexandria
  11. Photos: The Regal Potomac Yard Movie Theater is Being Torn Down

Have a safe weekend!

Image via City of Alexandria

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Pandemic Proves Windfall for Winter Storm Response in Alexandria

Several days of snowy weather have been a mild headache for Alexandria’s emergency management team, but all things considered: staff says things are going pretty well.

“Things are going good” said Jeff Duval, deputy director of Transportation and Environmental Services. “We’ve had a few days of challenging weather. The storms has been persistent, they’ve come and gone with multiple bands.”

Duval said the cycle of “snow, sleet, ice, back to snow, back to sleet” has been sort of a headache for traditional emergency management operations. The cause: Alexandria’s two-day snows are the result of two weather events coinciding.

“We’ve seen it all in the last couple days,” Duval said. “It’s actually two storms in the last two days; one from West Coast and a low pressure storm off the coast of Virginia. It made this one a little bit different, but nothing too crazy.”

Overall, Duval said there hasn’t been a particular spike in calls for service, largely because many of those who would be driving around and stuck in bad weather are at home due to the pandemic.

“It’s been fairly quiet,” Duval said. “A lot of folks are still working from home due to COVID pandemic, so traffic volume is down and schools already virtual. We didn’t have a lot of pressure towards getting schools open.”

Widespread working-from-home is windfall as the city faces heavy snowfall.

“This was, for us, the most significant [winter] storm we’ve seen in a couple years, so it was good to get back into the swing of winter operations,” Duval said. “We do tremendous prepping for winter operations, like tabletop exercises, but until you get a storm and can exercise a system — that’s when we get our best practices.”

The main challenge has been keeping crews safe and spirits high when they’re unable to gather in-person. Duval said crews traditionally have “muster meetings” at the beginning and end of shifts, but operations had to change to keep the teams safe.

“We’ve been at it for almost a year though with that and other activities,” Duval said. “We do an after-action after every significant event. We typically put drivers in a room and ask what went well, but we’ll have to do that a little differently.”

Now, Duval said his team has their eyes on the upcoming weekend as they wait to see whether there’s more snow in stock for the city.

“We’re watching the weather; there could be additional precipitation this Sunday,” Duval said. “It’s still a little far in advance to say, but thats’ what we do this time of year.”

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Winter Weather Advisory in Effect in Until Tuesday, City Delays Opening for Warming Centers

Updated at 4:45 p.m. — A winter weather advisory remains in effect throughout the day, as the City was blanketed with snow on Sunday. Up to two more inches are expected overnight, according to the National Weather Service.

The snow shut down in-person schools and non-emergency city staff are allowed to telework.

The city also opened warming centers at recreation centers late. The warming centers are intended to help poor residents cope with the cold temperatures.

The city released the following:

  • Closed: Chinquapin Recreation Center
    Mon Feb 1, 2021 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    Location: Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, 3210 King St.
  • Closed: Warming Centers
    Mon Feb 1, 2021 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    Location: All City Recreation Centers
  • CANCELLED: Board of Zoning Appeals
    Mon Feb 8, 2021 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location: City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St.

According to NWS:

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations of
  up to one inch and ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an
  inch.

* WHERE...The District of Columbia, portions of central Maryland,
  northern and northwest Virginia and eastern West Virginia.

* WHEN...Until midnight EST tonight.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the evening commute.

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.

https://twitter.com/patpend/status/1356180396535406594

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Morning Notes

ACPS In-Person School Called Off Monday, Virtual Learning Still Happening — “WEATHER ALERT: For Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, ACPS buildings are closed for all. Virtual learning to continue. Food distribution and child care at ACPS buildings canceled.” [Twitter]

Warming Centers Open in Alexandria Until Feb. 5 — “Due to forecasted cooler weather, the city of Alexandria will offer warming centers Friday through Feb. 5 to provide relief from the cold for community members who may not have access to a warm shelter during the day.” [Patch]

Former Mayor Allison Silberberg Not Running — “While the mayoral role is considered part-time, in my experience being Mayor is more than a full-time job. I have been torn between running for office or pursuing new opportunities that are before me now. While these new opportunities will allow me to continue to make a difference and serve others, they would not allow me to serve as Mayor in the way I believe our residents expect and deserve. And so, it is with a heavy heart and mixed emotions that at this time I have decided not to run for Mayor.” [Facebook]

Today’s Weather — “Cloudy with rain and snow in the morning, light snow in the afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of precip 70%. About one inch of snow expected. Variably cloudy with snow showers (in the evening). Low 32F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 50%. About one inch of snow expected.” [Weather.com]

New Job: Salon Coordinator/Receptionist — “PR at Partners in Old Town is seeking a part-time professional and motivated individual for our front desk receptionist position. This position is responsible for delivering exceptional client service while successfully managing this busy salon’s schedule. An ideal candidate would enjoy working with many types of people and provide service with a smile.” [Indeed]

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