Mayor: Crews focused on narrow streets; city plans after-action review
Schools virtual for fourth day; slight chance of snow Saturday
Plowing and salting operations have not stopped since Sunday and will continue until every street is clear, Mayor Alyia Gaskins said in a video update Friday morning.
“The big focus for today is going back over some of our really narrow streets, streets where we had limited options for equipment, and making sure that we’re getting those as clear as possible,” Gaskins said.
Crews are also revisiting major roads, bus stops, high-conflict intersections, and emergency access routes. Work continues on sidewalks, parking spaces, bike lane,s and trail routes the city considers part of its critical transit network.
The city dealt with a few power outages and a water main break on Thursday, Gaskins said, adding that crews are working to ensure every resident has power and water. Staff responded to more than 400 311 calls on Thursday.
Sidewalks
Sidewalk fine enforcement remains suspended. Residents who need help clearing sidewalks—or can lend a hand—are encouraged to sign up for the city’s Snow Buddy Program, which connects volunteers with seniors, homebound and disabled residents who cannot shovel on their own.
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. 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 on Sunday by 6 p.m.
Trash and recycling
Friday collection is on schedule. Monday through Wednesday service was cancelled with no make-up runs. If your pickup was missed, submit a ticket through Alex311.
Weather
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m., with wind chills as low as 5 below. A second advisory takes effect at 8 p.m. and runs through 11 a.m. Saturday, with wind chills dropping to 10 below. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur with exposed skin—keep pets indoors and check on older family, friends and neighbors.
Today will be partly sunny with a high near 22. Tonight mostly cloudy with a low around 9 and wind chills as low as -3.
A slight chance of snow returns Saturday after 1 p.m. and again Saturday night before 1 a.m., with a 20% chance of precipitation both periods. Saturday’s high is near 22, low around 12, with wind chills dipping to -5. Winds pick up Saturday night with gusts up to 36 mph.
Sunday looks mostly sunny but blustery, with a high near 26 and gusts as high as 44 mph. Temperatures begin to moderate next week.
Transit
Metro rail and bus are operating weekday service with some snow detours—check wmata.com/snow before traveling. DASH buses are running normal weekday service with detours still in effect at dashbus.com/snow. VRE is operating an “S” schedule with limited trains.
Where to warm up
The winter shelter at 2355-A Mill Road is open 24 hours through noon Tuesday. Warming centers are open at five recreation centers and four library branches.
What comes next
Gaskins said the city will conduct an after-action review once the storm response is complete.
“We want to make sure that we’re learning from the things that worked well and honestly the things that did not work so that we’re better prepared for next time,” she said.
The review will include drivers, city staff, and regional partners in D.C., Arlington, Fairfax, and Falls Church.
Really solid approach with the after-action review including drivers and regional partners. My county did a similar multi-stakeholder debrief after last year's ice storm, and the narrow street equipment issue cameup again. Turns out pre-positioning smaller plows in dense neighborhoods before the storm hits helps alot, tho logistics and cost are always tricky.