City of Alexandria Prepares for Snow This Weekend

The City is actively preparing for this weekend's winter weather and is monitoring updated forecasts and conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Saturday afternoon, January 24, through Monday, January 26, and residents should plan now for the possibility of heavy snow, ice, and dangerous cold.

Here is What the City is Doing:

1. City crews are brining all critical roadways, with a focus on ice-prone areas such as hills, bridges, and overpasses.
2. City crews are conducting pre-treatment activities at schools, Metrorail stations, and recreation facilities, and will continue treating areas as needed.
3. The Winter Shelter at 2355-A Mill Road will extend its hours to a 24-hour operation starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 26.
4. Alex311 is open and standing by to support requests during and after the storm. Their hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, or submit requests to their online system 24/7.
5. City staff are updating alexandriava.gov/Alert with up-to-date information about the City's operating status and active alert information.

Is there anything else residents should know ahead of time to stay safe, warm, and healthy?

Yes, residents can take a few steps now to stay safe and help crews work efficiently:

• Stay tuned to local media to stay informed of current weather conditions and forecasts.
• Limit travel during and immediately after the storm when possible, and plan ahead for essentials (medications, food, chargers/flashlight).
• Be ready to move vehicles off Snow Emergency Routes if restrictions are announced.
• Park off-street when possible to help plows and emergency vehicles move safely.
• Use the City's SnowReport map to follow plowing progress and service updates.
• Clear the sidewalks next to your home or business within the required timeframes after snowfall ends, and clear curb ramps when possible.
• When it's safe, clear around storm drains and nearby fire hydrants to help reduce flooding and support public safety access.
• Plows can leave a pile of snow at the end of your driveway. You may need to shovel that spot more than once during a big storm.
• The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511. 

Prepare for winter weather:

With the weather expected to drop to dangerously cold temperatures, be prepared and know where you can go to get out of the cold. If in need of a place to warm up, consider visiting a restaurant, shopping mall, community center, or local library.

• If you have a pet, be sure to provide them 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, keeping cabinet doors open, and keeping garage doors closed.

Stay informed:

Go to alexandriava.gov/alert for future updates.

Follow local media and the National Weather Service winter weather website for information on weather conditions and forecasts.

For information on emergency warming centers, visit the City's Seasonal and Emergency Warming and Cooling Options webpage.

For information on snow and ice control, visit alexandriava.gov/Snow.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Mariah Covington at [email protected] or call 703.746.3978, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email [email protected] or call 703.746.3960.