Level 2 Winter Storm Declared For Snow Removal In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — With the region experiencing its first major snow under a winter storm warning Monday, residents should be aware of Alexandria city government closings and snow removal policy.

Per city ordinance, clearing sidewalks, driveways and entrances is required by the property owner, occupant, community association or business. The time snow must be cleared depends on the classification of the storm — Level 1 (least severe) to Level 3 (most severe). The storm was declared a Level 2 storm. For a Level 2 storm, it must be cleared 48 hours after snowfall stops.

Snowfall stopped by 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 3, which means the deadline for snow removal is 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5.

In much of Northern Virginia, the National Weather Service expects snow accumulation between 5 and 10 inches. According to preliminary snowfall totals from the National Weather Service, 10.7 inches was reported in southern Alexandria at 1:30 p.m. There were 10 inches recorded in the Lincolnia area and 9.7 inches and 9.2 inches in western Alexandria.

The City of Alexandria is responsible for removing snow from 561 lane miles of roadway, 20 miles of city-owned walkways and trails, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots or city-owned squares. Snow emergency routes are plowed first, followed by secondary routes, intermediate routes, and residential streets.Updates will be provided through the SnowReport tracking system.

The Virginia Department of Transportation clears interstates and most roads in Fairfax County. Updates are provided at www.vdotplows.org.

Residents can help during a storm by avoiding parking on snow emergency routes, clearing fire hydrants and storm drains, keeping shovels and salt/sand on hand, sign up to become a Snow Buddy to help neighbors unable to shovel, and check on neighbors who may need help.

Due to the forecast, all City of Alexandria government and courts were closed on Monday. Trash collection will happen, but yard waste and leaf collection are suspended. DASH Bus service was suspended Monday but will resume at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Alexandria City Public Schools has closed buildings but is holding virtual learning Monday and Tuesday, per its new inclement weather policy.

Residents should delay travel on the roads if possible during the winter storm. If travel is necessary, monitor the forecast, adjust timing if possible, drive slowly on bridges, ramps, overpasses and other known trouble spots, ensure gas tanks and windshield fluid tanks are full, update your car's emergency kit, watch for pedestrians, and give plows room to work. Traffic conditions are available at 511virginia.gov.

For continued weather updates, check the National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington office.