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Alexandria continues digging out from the worst ice storm in 30 years as schools remain closed for in-person learning and crews prepare for possible snow this weekend.
Roads and sidewalks
Residential roads reached 95% passable Thursday afternoon, up from 57% Wednesday, Mayor Alyia Gaskins said. Crews are focused on reaching every remaining street and going back over hard-to-reach areas where conditions are not up to standard.
The city is also prioritizing sidewalks, particularly routes leading to transit stops and schools, and has begun preventative treatment on cleared streets ahead of possible weekend snow.
Sidewalk fine enforcement remains suspended. Residents who need help clearing sidewalks—or can lend a hand—are encouraged to sign up for the Snow Buddy Program.
Schools
Alexandria City Public Schools remain closed for in-person learning Friday—the fourth consecutive day of virtual instruction. The district cited frigid temperatures and their impact on bus operations.
Students will participate in synchronous virtual learning via Zoom. Check Canvas or Clever by 8 a.m. for schedules. No new content will be taught and grades will not be assigned.
Free meals are available for children under 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Alexandria City High School (3330 King St., Door 34) and Charles Barrett Elementary (1115 Martha Custis Dr.).
The district is monitoring the weekend forecast and will provide an update Sunday by 6 p.m.
Trash and recycling
If your normal pickup day is Friday, collection is on schedule. Monday through Wednesday service was cancelled with no make-up runs. If your pickup is missed, submit a ticket through Alex311.
Weather
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m., with wind chills as low as zero. A second advisory takes effect at 8 p.m. and runs through 11 a.m. Saturday, with wind chills as low as 5 below.
Bitter to extreme wind chills are expected Saturday night into Sunday morning.
A slight chance of snow is possible Saturday after 1 p.m. and before 1 a.m. Sunday, with a 20% chance of precipitation. Sunday will be mostly sunny but blustery, with gusts as high as 44 mph.
Temperatures begin to moderate Monday, with a high near 34.
Transit
Metro rail and bus are operating weekday service. Since Saturday, Metro crews have deployed 2.9 million pounds of salt—enough to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools—to keep the system moving. Buses are running mostly normal service with some snow detours; check wmata.com/snow before traveling.
DASH buses are running normal weekday service with snow detours still in effect. Detours will be lifted as conditions allow—check dashbus.com/snow for detour maps before traveling.
VRE is operating an “S” schedule this morning with limited trains: Fredericksburg line trains 302, 306, 310 and 314; Manassas line trains 324, 328, 332 and 334. Check vre.org for details.
MetroAccess will provide all scheduled trips. If door-to-door service is unavailable due to conditions, curbside service will be used.
Where to warm up
The winter shelter at 2355-A Mill Road is open 24 hours through noon Tuesday, Feb. 3. Call 703-746-6551.
Warming centers are open at five recreation centers: Charles Houston, Chick Armstrong, Mount Vernon, Patrick Henry and William Ramsay. Four library branches—Beatley Central, Barrett, Burke and Duncan—are also available.
Looking ahead
The Del Ray Farmers Market has been cancelled Saturday—the first cancellation in more than 30 years. The market will return Feb. 7.
Alexandria Restaurant Week has been extended through Feb. 8. This storm has been hard on local businesses—get out and support them when you can.
