Storm brings 1.7 to 2.3 inches of snow to Alexandria; roads mostly clear
NWS spotter reports show higher totals in surrounding areas; city offices open on normal status
The winter storm that moved through the area overnight left Alexandria with 1.7 to 2.3 inches of snow, according to preliminary spotter reports released Monday morning by the National Weather Service.
Two measurements were recorded in the city: 2.3 inches near Alexandria 1 West, measured at 5:30 a.m., and 1.7 inches near Alexandria 1 ENE, measured at 8 a.m. Nearby totals included 3.5 inches in Falls Church, 4.5 inches in Reston, and 1.0 inch at Reagan National Airport.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins provided a live update Monday morning, saying crews were activated as early as 4 a.m. Sunday and focused overnight on primary, secondary, and critical routes to transit, schools, and 24-hour facilities. As of Monday morning, almost all residential roads had received at least one pass, with crews continuing to work through the day. “We weren’t dealing with snowcrete and temperatures remained at or above freezing the entire time,” she said, noting the conditions made clearing significantly easier. Residents can track progress on the city’s snow report at alexandriava.gov and report concerns to 311.
Alexandria City Public Schools canceled in-person classes, shifting all students to synchronous virtual learning via Zoom. The district had initially announced a two-hour delay Sunday afternoon before upgrading to a full closure Sunday night as conditions deteriorated. Attendance will be taken, but no new content will be introduced, and no grades will be assigned.
City offices are open today on normal status. The Alexandria courthouse opened at 10 a.m.; all proceedings scheduled before that time will begin at 11 a.m. Trash, recycling, yard waste, and curbside food waste collection will continue on a normal schedule. DASH is operating normal weekday service without snow detours, though riders should allow extra travel time.
Power outages have largely cleared. Dominion Energy reported just 2 Alexandria customers without power as of 10:16 a.m., down from 26 reported earlier this morning.
The city’s winter shelter on Mill Road remains open through Wednesday for anyone experiencing homelessness. The Snow Buddy program, through Volunteer Alexandria, is available to residents who need help clearing sidewalks and driveways.
Snow is winding down this morning with only a slight chance before 11 a.m. Winds will remain gusty, up to 38 mph, with a high near 41. A Gale Warning remains in effect for area waterways, including the Tidal Potomac, through 6 p.m. Temperatures drop to around 24 degrees tonight.
Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 40, but a 40% chance of snow mixing with rain returns Tuesday night after 1 a.m. before clearing Wednesday. Temperatures climb to near 55 on Wednesday, with rain likely again on Thursday. The weekend looks pleasant, with sunny skies and highs near 57 on Saturday and Sunday.