Heavy snow blankets Alexandria as winter storm continues
3 to 5 more inches expected today before transition to ice tonight
Heavy snow blanketed Alexandria overnight, with 3 to 4 inches on the ground Sunday morning and several more inches still to come before the storm shifts to ice later today.
The National Weather Service expects an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow and sleet through early afternoon, with the storm transitioning to sleet by mid-afternoon and freezing rain after 5 p.m. Ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 inches is expected tonight.
“Travel could be nearly impossible,” the weather service warned. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.”
The winter storm warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. Monday. Total accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are expected, with up to 12 inches possible in the far northern and western suburbs.
Power outages and tree damage are likely due to ice, particularly south of Route 50 and near Interstate 95, according to the weather service.
The local emergency declared by the city manager on Saturday remains in effect. City crews are working around the clock to clear roads.
Here’s what to expect for the rest of the storm:
Today: Snow and sleet, heavy at times, continue through early afternoon. Sleet between 2 and 5 p.m., then freezing rain after 5 p.m. High near 29°F.
Tonight: Freezing rain, possibly mixed with sleet, becoming all freezing rain after 10 p.m. Ice accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 inches. Low around 22°F.
Monday: Mostly sunny with a high near 30°F. Gusty winds up to 29 mph.
Monday night: Dangerously cold. Low around 5°F with wind chills as low as -6.
Snow emergency routes remain closed to parking. Vehicles left on designated routes may be ticketed or towed.
The city urged residents to stay off roads, limit time outdoors, and check on neighbors, seniors, and others who may need assistance.
Emergency warming centers are available for residents in need. Residents can check road conditions at 511virginia.org or by calling 511. Updates on the city’s storm response will be posted at alexandriava.gov/Alert. For storm-related questions, call 311.
This is a developing story.