Winter storm watch issued for Alexandria; up to 10 inches of snow possible this weekend
Snow could fall at 1-2 inches per hour Saturday night; sub-zero wind chills expected through next week
The National Weather Service has upgraded its outlook to a winter storm watch for Alexandria, signaling increased confidence that a major winter storm will bring significant snow and potentially hazardous ice to the region this weekend.
The watch, issued early Thursday morning, warns of a “high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with over 10 inches possible” from Saturday evening through Monday morning. Ice accumulation is also expected, particularly in areas south of Route 50 and near Interstate 95.
The forecast marks a significant shift from Tuesday, when projections ranged from 1 inch to more than 15 inches depending on the model. The weather service now appears confident the storm will deliver a substantial blow to the D.C. region.
“A large area of precipitation will overrun Arctic air in place over the Mid-Atlantic,” the weather service wrote. “This will likely lead to widespread significant snow beginning late Saturday.”
Snow is expected to intensify Saturday night, with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible. The precipitation may mix with sleet or freezing rain on Sunday. Visibility could drop to a quarter-mile or less during the heaviest periods.
The storm will be accompanied by dangerously cold temperatures. Wind chills in the teens and single digits are expected beginning Friday evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero readings possible at times.
How Alexandria responds to snow
The City of Alexandria said Tuesday that crews are monitoring and preparing for the storm. If the city manager declares a snow emergency, parking will be prohibited on snow emergency routes, and vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Snow emergency routes include King Street, Washington Street, Duke Street, Route 1, Braddock Road and Eisenhower Avenue.
City crews are responsible for clearing 561 lane miles of roadways, 20 miles of publicly owned sidewalks and 44 acres of municipal parking lots. Primary roads and snow emergency routes are plowed first, followed by secondary routes, intermediate streets and then residential neighborhoods.
If more than 8 inches of snow falls, the city classifies the event as a Level 2 storm, meaning roads are considered hazardous and drivers should limit travel to emergencies. Roadways may not be fully cleared for up to five days. A Level 3 classification — reserved for significant accumulations, ice or blizzard conditions — would close roads to non-emergency vehicles.
Residents can track plowing status on the city’s SnowReport system at alexandriava.gov.
What residents should do
Property owners are required to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 to 72 hours after snowfall ends, depending on storm severity. Failure to comply can result in a $50 fine.
The weather service urged residents to prepare now by stocking up on groceries and medications, assembling emergency car kits with extra batteries, flashlights, and blankets, and ensuring vehicles are fueled or charged before the storm arrives.
Residents should also clear snow from around fire hydrants and storm drains and check on elderly neighbors. Those who need assistance with snow removal can connect with volunteers through the Snow Buddy program, run by Volunteer Alexandria, which helps low-income seniors and disabled residents.
The hazardous conditions could cause school delays or closures and impact the Monday morning commute.
For questions or to report uncleared sidewalks after the deadline, call 311.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.