Virginia declares state of emergency; up to 15 inches of snow possible this weekend
NWS warns travel could be 'nearly impossible'; snow totals could reach 7 to 15 inches
Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency Thursday ahead of a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain to Virginia beginning Saturday and lasting through Monday morning.
“Our top priority is the safety of every Virginian,” Spanberger said. “State agencies are mobilized, and we are working closely with local governments and utility partners. Everyone should stay informed, avoid travel when possible, and take precautions to protect themselves and their families.”
The National Weather Service strengthened its language overnight Friday, saying a major winter storm is now “expected” after characterizing it as “possible” just a day earlier. The winter storm watch remains in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning.
Forecasters warned that conditions could make travel “nearly impossible” and that “power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice.”
“There is a high threat of a high impact winter storm Saturday night through early Monday morning,” the weather service wrote. “Potential impacts include significant travel delays, closures, and threats to life and property.”
Alexandria prepares
The City of Alexandria said Friday morning that crews are brining critical roadways, with a focus on ice-prone areas such as hills, bridges and overpasses. Crews are also pre-treating areas around schools, Metrorail stations and recreation facilities.
The winter shelter at 2355-A Mill Road will extend to 24-hour operations starting at 7 p.m. Saturday and remain open until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
If the city manager declares a snow emergency, parking will be prohibited on snow emergency routes including King Street, Washington Street, Duke Street, Route 1, Braddock Road and Eisenhower Avenue. Vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Snow totals take shape
The detailed forecast shows snow arriving Saturday night and continuing through Sunday night, with the heaviest accumulation expected in two waves:
Saturday night: 3 to 7 inches, with heavy snow at times
Sunday: An additional 3 to 7 inches of snow and sleet, mixed with freezing rain
Sunday night: Around 1 more inch possible, with precipitation tapering off
The chance of precipitation is 100% for Saturday night and Sunday. Ice accumulation is expected, particularly south of Route 50 and near Interstate 95.
Dangerous cold arrives tonight
Before the snow begins, Alexandria will experience dangerously cold temperatures. A cold weather advisory takes effect at 8 p.m. Friday and runs through 10 a.m. Saturday.
Tonight’s low will drop to around 11 degrees, with wind chills as low as minus-5. North winds of 17 to 20 mph will gust up to 28 mph. Saturday will see a high of only 22 degrees before clouds increase ahead of the storm.
The bitter cold will persist through the middle of next week. Residents who need a place to warm up can visit restaurants, shopping centers, community centers or local libraries. Information on emergency warming centers is available at alexandriava.gov/114663.
State urges residents to stay off roads
The Virginia Department of Transportation said crews are pretreating bridges and roadways and will monitor conditions as they develop. VDOT warned that plows may not reach subdivision streets for several days after the storm ends, depending on accumulation and temperatures.
Virginia State Police will move to 12-hour shifts as the storm approaches and urged motorists to stay off roads during and after the storm unless absolutely necessary.
“Storm impacts will likely delay emergency response to stranded motorists,” the governor’s office warned.
How to prepare
Officials urged residents to make final preparations today:
Stock up on groceries and medications
Assemble an emergency car kit with extra batteries, a flashlight, blankets and a phone charger
Refuel or charge vehicles before the storm hits
Check on elderly neighbors, friends and family
Be ready to move vehicles off snow emergency routes if restrictions are announced
Keep pipes from freezing by allowing faucets to drip and keeping cabinet doors open
Bring pets inside or provide access to warm shelter with food and water
Never use generators, grills or fuel-burning devices inside homes or garages
After the storm, residents are required to clear sidewalks within 24 to 72 hours depending on severity. The city also asks residents to clear snow from storm drains and fire hydrants when it is safe to do so.
Residents can track plowing status at alexandriava.gov/SnowReport and check road conditions at 511virginia.org or by calling 511. For storm-related questions, call 311 or visit alex311.alexandriava.gov.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Updated Jan. 23 at 9:30 a.m. to add City of Alexandria storm preparations, including extended winter shelter hours, road brining operations and resident guidance.