Alexandria City Winter Storm Updates

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Alexandria area from Monday, February 16, at 6 p.m., through Tuesday, February 17, at noon.  The City of Alexandria and the Commonwealth of Virginia are under states of emergency to make additional storm response resources available.

Significant accumulation of ice and snow may result in a Level 2 storm, which means travel could be dangerous and some residential roads may not be clear until later in the week. This type of precipitation often results in power outages. The City urges all residents and businesses to be prepared on an ongoing basis for the possibility that it may not be safe to travel for three or more days, and that power may be out during this period.  Crews will stage equipment and work 24 hours a day to clear roads if necessary. 

Operating Status Updates

• Snow Emergency Routes - Snow emergency route enforcement will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17. These routes are marked with at least one red and white street sign at least every other block in each direction. Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes may be towed and impounded.  If possible, please use off-street parking.
• Taxi Surcharge - Beginning at 5 p.m. on February 16, taxis are authorized to add a $5 snow surcharge until further notice.  This surcharge is intended to encourage taxi drivers to continue to provide service for essential travel.  Please avoid any unnecessary travel until roads are clear.
• Trash & Recycling Collection - The City will make every effort to collect refuse and recycling according to schedule, which is already on a one day delay this week due to the Presidents' Day holiday.  Collection may be further delayed based on road conditions.  
• Alexandria City Public Schools - For public schools operating status, check the  Alexandria City Public Schools Emergency Information page.
• DASH Bus - For DASH Bus operating status, visit  dashbus.com.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

• The best thing you can do to prepare for any emergency, including winter storms, is to prepare for the possibility that it may not be safe to travel for three or more days, and that power may be out during this period. 
• Please take time to check on any neighbors in need to make sure they're able to stay warm.  Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, and closely follow manufacturer safety instructions for any heating devices. Check the Health Department website for tips on preparing for frigid temperatures.
• Space heaters need space! Remember to keep portable heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Keep children and pets well away from heating equipment and fireplaces, and never leave portable heaters on when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Using a fireplace? Open the damper before lighting; keep it open til ashes are completely cool. Never use charcoal in a fireplace because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have an unvented gas fireplace, open at least one window for air circulation.

Who to Contact

• If your power goes out, report it to Dominion Virginia Power at 866.DOM.HELP (866.366.4357) or  www.dom.com. 
• To report a water main break or for questions about water service, contact Virginia American Water at 800.452.6863.
• For questions or concerns about storm response, call 703.746.HELP.  Please call 911 only in the case of a life-threatening emergency or serious crime.
• For details, including storm level definitions and preparedness information, visit  alexandriava.gov/Snow, sign up for the City's  free eNews service, or connect online at alexandriava.gov/SocialMedia.

Snow Plowing Priorities

The City clears snow from more than 560 lane miles of roadway, 20 miles of City-owned walkways and trails, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots or City-owned squares. Roads are plowed by priority, with primary and snow emergency routes cleared first, followed by secondary routes and then residential streets. During a major storm, it may only be possible to plow roads so that they are passable for emergency vehicles, rather than down to the pavement across all travel lanes. Use the City's SnowReport tracking system to check on plowing priorities, the status of your street, or to submit a concern.  Residents and businesses can help by staying off the roads during and after snowfall, not parking on posted snow emergency routes, promptly clearing sidewalks and entrances, not shoveling snow into the street, and clearing snow from around fire hydrants and storm drains.

Cancellations & Closures

To check current cancellations and closures for City facilities and services, visit www.alexandriava.gov .