Alexandria recovery continues as city urges caution ahead of bitter night, possible weekend snow
City offices, courts reopen Thursday; trash collection resumes; schools remain virtual
This story was updated at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28.
Alexandria crews continued round-the-clock snow and ice removal Wednesday as the city announced offices and courts will reopen on regular schedules Thursday, with trash collection resuming.
As of noon Wednesday, all primary and secondary roads were fully passable, with intermediate streets at 73% and residential streets at 57%, according to the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.
City Manager Jim Parajon told City Council Tuesday that the storm—which dumped 7 inches of snow before turning to hours of sleet and freezing rain—was the most challenging in 30 years. The ice required crews to make more than 20 passes on some major roads and physically haul away 300 dump truck loads of ice from Old Town and Del Ray.
Schools closed Thursday
Alexandria City Public Schools buildings will remain closed Thursday, with students continuing virtual learning. The district said building inspections, pathway clearing and bus checks are still underway. Free meals are available for children under 18; see full details in our related story.
Trash collection resumes
Refuse collection will resume at 10 a.m. Thursday. If it is safe to do so, residents should place bins out in the morning to allow plows to continue overnight operations. Yard waste and compost will not be collected.
If Thursday collection is missed, residents can submit a ticket online or call Alex311 and crews will collect in the coming days.
Cold and snow ahead
A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect through 11 a.m. Thursday, with wind chills as low as 9 below zero. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur with prolonged exposure.
Forecasters are watching a system that could bring snow Friday night into Sunday, with chances rising to 50% Saturday night. Additional Cold Weather Advisories are likely through the week.
Where to warm up
The winter shelter at 2355-A Mill Road is open 24 hours through noon Tuesday, Feb. 3. The shelter can be reached at 703-746-6551.
Warming centers are available at five recreation centers during regular hours: Charles Houston (901 Wythe St.), Chick Armstrong (25 W. Reed Ave.), Mount Vernon (2701 Commonwealth Ave.), Patrick Henry (4653 Taney Ave.) and William Ramsay (5650 Sanger Ave.).
Four library branches are also open for warming needs: Beatley Central, Barrett, Burke and Duncan.
Transit
DASH buses are running weekend service with snow detours through 10 p.m. The King Street Trolley operates 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. VRE has limited service. Check wmata.com/snow for Metro updates.
Who to contact
Road conditions: alexandriava.gov/SnowReport or 511
Downed trees, non-emergencies: 703-746-4444
Power outages: Dominion Energy, 866-366-4357
Water main breaks: Virginia American Water, 800-452-6863
Emergencies: 911