winter storm | 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

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

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.

News

JUST IN: ACPS will open with two-hour delay Wednesday

By Katie Taranto

Published February 3, 2026 at 3:50PM

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

Alexandria City Public Schools will open again tomorrow (Wednesday) with a two-hour delay, as impacts from the recent winter storm linger.

Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt made the announcement this afternoon (Tuesday), calling for students to report to school two hours later than regular opening time. Students who ride morning buses should arrive at bus stops two hours later than their regular pickup time.

News

Alexandria sidewalk enforcement resumes Tuesday, requiring snow removal within 72 hours

By Katie Taranto

Published February 2, 2026 at 4:30PM

Alexandria crews continue to work on snow and ice removal in late January 2026 (via City of Alexandria)

Sidewalk ordinance enforcement is back on the books in Alexandria tomorrow (Tuesday), according to a city announcement this afternoon.

Starting tomorrow, City of Alexandria residents, property owners, community associations and businesses are required to clear sidewalks, driveways and entrances within 72 hours, due to the storm’s “Level 3” severity. According to the city, residents should do the following to abide by City Code Section 5-2-21.

News

JUST IN: ACPS will reopen schools, offices Tuesday with two-hour delay

By Katie Taranto

Published February 2, 2026 at 3:00PM

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

Alexandria City Public Schools will reopen with a two-hour delay for in-person learning tomorrow (Tuesday), according to an announcement this afternoon.

Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt said ACPS remains “mindful of student safety during school arrival and dismissal, particularly for those who walk to school or wait at bus stops,” according to the announcement. Students and staff are encouraged to dress warmly amid the cold weather.