Mayor Gaskins provides storm recovery update as Alexandria continues 24/7 snow operations
Ice, cold temperatures complicating response; city brings in additional contractors
Mayor Alyia Gaskins addressed frustrated residents in a social media video Tuesday morning, acknowledging the challenges facing the city’s snow response and explaining why some neighborhoods remain impassable days after last weekend’s major winter storm.
“If you’re home like me, I know you’re frustrated. I know you’re looking outside wondering when you are going to be able to get out,” Gaskins said in the video posted at 11 a.m. “Trust me, we have crews working 24/7.”
In a news alert Tuesday afternoon, the city described the event as “unique and very challenging,” noting that heavy snowfall followed by significant sleet and freezing rain created conditions requiring specialized equipment to break up ice before plowing can continue.
“We are making progress in getting all the streets plowed with the help of additional contracted equipment, but this will take time given the need to re-plow primary and secondary roads due to refreezing,” the city said.
Gaskins identified ice and frigid temperatures as the primary obstacles slowing the city’s progress.
“The ice and the cold temperatures are what are making this so complicated,” Gaskins said. “We’ve had to go over streets multiple times and the smaller residential streets are complete sheets of ice.”
Gaskins said the city’s equipment lacks the capacity of larger snow plows, prompting City Manager Jim Parajon to authorize additional resources.
“We authorize the city manager to bring in more equipment, to contract with more companies,” she said. “The good news is there are more trucks out on the road. The complicated thing is now we’re coordinating across many different contracting companies.”
The mayor acknowledged some residents may notice discrepancies between road conditions and the city’s online tracking maps, saying crews are working to improve coordination.
Gaskins also highlighted a key disadvantage Alexandria faces compared to neighboring jurisdictions.
“We are not Arlington or Fairfax. They’re counties. Counties have VDOT to assist with their snow response. We do not,” she said. “We are working to get as much help as we can, but we don’t have the same additional support from the state that they do.”
For seniors and residents who need assistance clearing sidewalks or driveways, Gaskins encouraged people to contact 311 to connect with the city’s Snow Buddy program.
Parajon is expected to provide a detailed update during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, which will be held virtually. Residents can watch live at alexandriava.gov/Dockets or register to view through Zoom.
What to know
Alexandria remains under a snow emergency declaration through Tuesday at 11:59 p.m.
The storm dumped approximately 7 inches of snow on Alexandria, according to the National Weather Service, before transitioning to sleet over the weekend. The storm is part of a larger weather system that has killed at least 35 people nationally, according to the Associated Press.
The city’s primary roads are now 100% passable. Due to below-freezing temperatures, crews continue plowing and treatment to address refreezing while expanding snow removal efforts into residential routes.
The city is asking residents to help keep streets clear for snow plows by using parking garages when possible. The Market Square, Court House and Union Street garages are open.
Residents can check the status of their street at alexandriava.gov/SnowReport. The city uses four status levels: roads closed (emergency vehicles only), snow-covered, passable (plowed but icy spots remain), and cleared (plowed to blacktop and treated with salt).
Trash, recycling, and yard waste will not be collected on Tuesday due to weather and road conditions. Collection will be delayed by 2 days this week to accommodate snow and ice removal.
Transit service remains limited on Tuesday. DASH buses are running reduced weekend service every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Virginia Railway Express has suspended service, and Metro buses are operating on a modified schedule.
All Alexandria City Public Schools remain closed on Tuesday. ACPS announced that students will participate in virtual learning on Wednesday.
The winter shelter at 2355-A Mill Road is operating with extended 24-hour hours through Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 12 p.m.
How to report issues
Non-emergency concerns: Call 311 or 703-746-4311
Downed trees and limbs on city property: 703-746-4444
Power outages: Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 or dominionenergy.com
Water main breaks: Virginia American Water at 800-452-6863
Emergencies: Call 911