Next Snowstorm In Alexandria: Preparations For Up To 5 Inches

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Preparations are being made for a winter storm Friday night into Thursday in Alexandria.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for much of the region and winter storm warning for some areas north and south of DC. Alexandria has the chance for 2 to 5 inches of snow. In the heaviest snow bands, 1 to 2 inches of snow per hour could fall for several hours.

The City of Alexandria is responsible for clearing its roadways, while the Virginia Department of Transportation handles interstates. The city's Department of Transportation and Environmental Services crews have mobilized equipment and pre-treated roads with a focus on bridges, hills and overpasses. Crews working 12-hour shifts will respond to snow and ice conditions for the duration of the storm.

Primary routes, including snow emergency routes, are cleared first, followed by secondary streets, intermediate streets and residential streets. Primary routes are considered major routes through the city. Secondary routes can include local and neighborhood streets and most Metro and DASH bus routes. Intermediate streets are those requiring extra attention in winter weather, such as streets with hills. The last priority is other residential streets near homes.

Residents can see the status of snow removal at apps.alexandriava.gov/SnowReport. For updates on interstates cleared by VDOT, visit vdotplows.org.

If a snow emergency is declared, vehicle owners should move their vehicles off snow emergency routes.

Snow emergency routes include:

• King Street from Union Street to the western city limit
• Washington Street from City limit to City limit
• Duke Street from Washington Street to the western City limit
• U.S. Route No. 1 from City limit to City limit
• Braddock Road from North West Street to Beauregard Street
• Howard Street from Braddock Road to Jordan Street
• Jordan Street from Duke Street to Howard Street
• Eisenhower Avenue from Holland Lane to Van Dorn Street

Property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks, driveways and entrances. Snow and ice must be cleared from all paved sidewalks on the property within a certain amount of time under the city code. A violation could result in a $50 fine. If a Level 1 storm is declared (8 inches of snow or less), property owners have 24 hours to clear snow after the snow stops. Violations can be reported to Alexandria's 311 or 703-746-4311.

Due to temperatures forecast at freezing and below freezing, the city's Winter Shelter at 2355-A Mill Rd. will be open starting at 7 p.m. Friday through 12 p.m. Sunday. Recreation centers and Alexandria Libraries also serve as warming centers when open.

Residents needing assistance with city services should use the Alex311 website, Alex311 mobile app or @AlexandriaVA311 social media. Emergencies should be reported to 911. For updates on weather, subscribe to the city's news at alexandriava.gov/eNews.

DASH Bus riders should check for updates on dashbus.com, the DASH Trip Planner or DASH's Facebook and X/Twitter channels.

The city government recommends the following tips during winter storms:

• Slow down and use caution when traveling.
• When venturing outside, watch your first few steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind needs like medication and access to power.
• If you have a pet, provide them with access to a warm shelter, preferably indoors, as well as plenty of food and water.
• Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Keep pipes from freezing by allowing faucets to drip and keeping cabinet doors open and garage doors closed.
• Keep an adequate supply of shovels, salt or sand for your sidewalks and driveways.
• If you leave the city during winter, have a plan to ensure that your sidewalks will be cleared to avoid fines and snow removal fees.
• Clear ice, snow, and leaves from around fire hydrants and storm drains.
• Do not shovel snow from your property onto the sidewalk or street.
• Park your car off the street wherever possible.
• Check on neighbors needing assistance.
• Volunteer to be a Snow Buddy, a Volunteer Alexandria program which provides snow removal and sidewalk treatment to low-income seniors or homebound or disabled residents who are physically unable to do it themselves, cannot afford to pay for this service, and/or do not have neighbors, family, or friends to help them.