Extreme cold watch issued for Alexandria as another Arctic blast approaches
Wind chills could reach 10 below zero Saturday, with gusts up to 55 mph; city opens warming centers, extends shelter hours
An extreme cold watch takes effect late Friday for Alexandria and much of the mid-Atlantic, with wind chills as low as 10 below zero expected through Sunday morning, the National Weather Service said Thursday.
The weather service issued the watch at 1:07 p.m. for the District of Columbia, central and northern Maryland, Northern Virginia and the eastern West Virginia panhandle. East of the Blue Ridge, wind chills could fall to zero to 10 below, the agency said, and as low as 15 below to the west.
“Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures,” the weather service said. “Wind chills will remain at or below zero during the day on Saturday due to windy conditions and cold temperatures.”
Snow is forecast for the Alexandria area on Friday afternoon, with a 40% chance of precipitation. By Friday night, winds will shift to the northwest at 11 to 16 mph, gusting to 31, as the Arctic front arrives and temperatures drop to 14 degrees. Saturday’s high is expected to reach only 22, with sustained northwest winds of 30 to 34 mph, gusts to 55 and wind chills as low as minus 5. The low Saturday night is forecast near 9 degrees, with gusts above 40 mph. Conditions are expected to ease on Sunday, with a high near 24.
The weather service warned against using generators or grills indoors if power is lost.
The city of Alexandria announced the approaching cold on its social media accounts Thursday afternoon in English and Spanish, urging residents to stay indoors during the coldest hours, keep vehicles at least half full of gas and update winter survival kits.
Five recreation centers are serving as warming centers during regular business hours: Charles Houston at 901 Wythe St., Leonard “Chick” Armstrong at 25 West Reed Ave., Mount Vernon at 2701 Commonwealth Ave., Patrick Henry at 4653 Taney Ave., and William Ramsay at 5650 Sanger Ave.
Four library branches are also available: the Beatley Central Library at 5005 Duke St., the Barrett Branch at 717 Queen St., the Burke Branch at 4701 Seminary Rd., and the Duncan Branch at 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Libraries are open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The city’s winter shelter at 2355-A Mill Rd. has extended its hours through 7 a.m. Saturday, according to the city’s website. The shelter normally operates nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through April 15. It can be reached at 703-746-6551. Free DASH bus routes serve the shelter from Carpenter’s Shelter, Braddock Road Metro and City Hall.
The weather service advised residents to dress in layers with a hat, face mask and gloves if going outside, to check frequently on elderly neighbors and to keep pets indoors. To guard against frozen pipes, residents should let faucets drip, open cabinet doors under sinks and close garage doors.
Anyone concerned about a person who appears unsheltered can call the police non-emergency line at 703-746-4444 or contact Alex311 at 703-746-4311. In emergencies, call 911. More information is available at alexandriava.gov/Alert.