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The National Weather Service upgraded its winter storm watch to a warning Friday morning, confirming that a major storm will bring 7 to 14 inches of snow and sleet to the Alexandria area beginning Saturday night.
The warning takes effect at 11 p.m. Saturday and runs through 4 a.m. Monday. Ice accumulations of one- to two-tenths of an inch are also expected, particularly south of Route 50.
“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice,” the weather service warned. “Travel could be nearly impossible.”
The upgrade from a watch to a warning signals that forecasters are now confident the storm will deliver significant impacts. Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency Thursday, mobilizing state agencies and urging Virginians to avoid travel.
“Persons should consider delaying all travel,” the weather service advised. “Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.”
What to expect
Snow will arrive Saturday night and become heavy at times, with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible. The detailed forecast shows the storm unfolding in waves:
- Saturday night: 3 to 7 inches of snow, heavy at times, with a low around 17 degrees
- Sunday: An additional 3 to 7 inches of snow and sleet mixed with freezing rain, high near 28
- Sunday night: Around 1 more inch possible as precipitation tapers off, low around 20
The chance of precipitation is 100% Saturday night and Sunday. Visibility could drop to a quarter-mile or less at times.
The highest totals — closer to 14 inches — are expected in the far northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore.
The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute and may cause school delays or closures.
Dangerous cold arrives tonight
A cold weather advisory takes effect at 8 p.m. Friday and runs through 10 a.m. Saturday, with wind chills as low as minus-10.
Tonight’s low will drop to around 11 degrees, with wind chills as low as minus-4. North winds around 17 mph will gust up to 31 mph.
Saturday will see a high of only 22 degrees, with wind chills as low as minus-5, before clouds increase ahead of the storm.
The bitter cold will continue after the storm passes. Monday night’s low is forecast to plunge to 3 degrees, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times through the middle of next week.
“The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken,” the weather service warned, urging residents to wear appropriate clothing, hats and gloves.
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. Residents who need a place to warm up can also visit restaurants, shopping centers, community centers or local libraries.
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.
State urges residents to stay off roads
The Virginia Department of Transportation said crews are pretreating bridges and roadways. 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.
“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, food, water, and blankets
- Refuel or charge vehicles before the storm hits
- Check on elderly neighbors, friend,s 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 the severity. The city also asks residents to clear snow from storm drains and fire hydrants when safe.
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.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
