Wintry Mix Possible in Alexandria Late Monday Into Tuesday — City Crews Preparing as Forecast Evolves
National Weather Service calls for light snow and possible freezing rain; City monitoring with “low to moderate” confidence.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — While this doesn’t appear to be a major winter storm, a messy mix could move through Alexandria late Monday into early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, there is “a chance of snow after 1 p.m.” Monday, with cloudy skies and a high near 36 degrees. The forecast notes a 50 percent chance of precipitation during the day.
Monday night is expected to bring a more complicated mix.
The National Weather Service forecasts “a chance of snow before 1 a.m., then snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., then rain or freezing rain after 4 a.m.” The chance of precipitation rises to 90 percent, with “new ice accumulation of less than a tenth of an inch possible” and “new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.”
Forecasters characterize confidence in exact timing and impacts as “low to moderate.”
City Monitoring and Treating Roads
In a statement issued Sunday, the City of Alexandria said it is actively preparing for the potential wintry mix.
“The National Weather Service indicates a chance of light snow or a wintry mix late Monday into early Tuesday, with confidence still low to moderate,” the City said in its advisory. “As conditions evolve, the City of Alexandria is monitoring forecasts and preparing equipment to treat high-priority roads if conditions require.”
City crews are already treating roadways across Alexandria, including residential routes, with priority given to “areas most susceptible to icy conditions such as hills, bridges, and overpasses.”
Preparations are focused on preventing slick road conditions Monday evening into early Tuesday.
How Residents Can Help
City officials are urging residents to use caution and patience.
“If you encounter salt or brine trucks on the road, please give them space to work and share the road safely,” the City advisory states.
Residents are also encouraged to clear debris around storm drains to reduce ice buildup and to “salt smarter.” According to the City, “One 12-ounce cup is enough for 10 sidewalk squares or 500 square feet of driveway coverage,” and waiting to salt until closer to the event can help limit harmful runoff.
Bottom Line
At this point, Alexandria’s forecast looks more like a nuisance event than a major winter storm. Still, with temperatures hovering near freezing, even light snow or freezing rain could create icy patches overnight.
Zebra will update this story if the forecast shifts or advisories are issued.
