ALEXANDRIA, VA-The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for Alexandria starting at 11 p.m. this evening, February 16, and lasting until 7 a.m. Saturday morning.
NWS predicts snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated totals up to 6 inches possible. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible tonight. Visibility may be reduced to less than one half mile at times.
Alexandrians should slow down and use caution while 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.
How the City is Preparing
The City began weather activation activities yesterday to ensure a coordinated response over the holiday weekend. In advance of expected snow, crews have prepared equipment and conducted brine pre-treatment, focusing on bridges, hills, and overpasses.
Today, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) is mobilizing a snow and ice team in the city. Crews will respond to snow and ice conditions, working in 12-hour shifts, for the duration of the weather event.
Warming Centers and Winter Shelter
In response to freezing and below-freezing temperatures, the City’s Winter Shelter (2355-A Mill Rd.) will be open starting tonight at 7 p.m. through 12 p.m. on Sunday, February 18. Additionally, recreation centers and Alexandria Library locations serve as warming centers during the winter months. Details and a list of locations are available on the City’s Warming and Cooling Center page.
How You Can Prepare
With the weather expected to drop to dangerously low temperatures, be prepared and know where you can go to get out of the cold. If you need a place to warm up, consider visiting a restaurant, shopping mall, community center, or local library.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind the specific needs of each person in your party, including medication and access to power.
- If you have a pet, be sure to 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.
Visit alexandriava.gov/Snow for more information about winter emergency preparedness & safety tips.
Use the Alex311 website, Alex311 mobile app, and @AlexandriaVA311 social media for reporting City services-related concerns. For immediate emergency assistance, call 9-1-1.
Subscribe to alexandriava.gov/eNews to receive weather updates.
[SEE ALSO: Alexandria Releases Report Analyzing Economic Impact of Arena]
