First Snow In Alexandria: Road Treatment, Traffic, School Status

ALEXANDRIA, VA—What forecasters anticipated as a wintry mix turned into the first snowfall of the season for Alexandria and the DC region Thursday. Nov. 15. With it came slick road conditions and reports of traffic issues around the city.

The National Weather Service projected the region could have sleet and snow accumulations up to two inches and ice glaze up to a tenth of an inch. Alexandria snow and ice crews are treating roads and facilities around the city. Nearby in Bailey's Crossroads, a trained spotter measured 1.3 inches of precipitation as of 8:05 a.m.

Here's what you need to know about road treatment, traffic, schools and more.

Who is treating the roads?

Treatment is happening Thursday morning, as the city did not brine or salt. The city said the forecast called for more rain-like precipitation to start, which could wash away the treatments. City crews are treating bridges, overpasses, flyovers, hills, Alexandria City Public Schools, Metro and publicly-owned pedestrian areas and facilities. Clearing sidewalks, driveways and entrances are the responsibility of property owners.

How are traffic conditions?

Forecasters cautioned residents about hazardous road conditions for the morning commute. Check road conditions on major roadways at www.511virginia.org.

Of note, the Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services reported backed up traffic on North Van Dorn Street due to vehicles getting stuck on the hill. The road has been cleared, but morning traffic delays continued.

Other reports mirrored the Van Dorn Street issue of cars struggling to get up slick hills.

What is the status of schools?

Alexandria City Public Schools chose neither to delay nor close schools on Nov. 15. However, afternoon pre-K is cancelled at James K. Polk Elementary, the Early Childhood Center co-located at John Adams Elementary School, Fairlington Preschool, Charles Barrett Elementary School or Jefferson-Houston School. ACPS said buses need additional travel time for elementary school students in the afternoon.

Elementary school students will be released early for planned parent-teacher conferences. Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School is not on early release and will end at 2:35 p.m.

Middle and high school students will be released on the regular schedule. After-school activities are cancelled after 6 p.m.

The latest school status announcements for inclement weather are available from the Alexandria City Public Schools website.

What is the latest forecast?

Alexandria remains under a winter weather advisory through 1 p.m. Thursday. Snow, freezing rain, and sleet are expected before 11 a.m., followed by rain, freezing rain and sleet chances through 2 p.m. and rain afterward. Overnight, the area gets another chance of rain, snow and sleet, but forecasters anticipate little or no accumulation.

The wintry mix may continue into Friday morning, but it should gradually become sunny and warm up to 51 degrees.

To end on a happy note, enjoy these first snow day photos from Alexandria.

Image via Emily Leayman/Patch