Winter Storm Watch: What's Open, Closed In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — The second day of spring will bring steady snow throughout the day, with four to seven eight expected in Arlington. Arlington County Government is closed Wednesday, along with Arlington County Public Schools.

The area is under a Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service. The warning calls for mixed precipitation becoming all snow at 11 a.m.

The warning is in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday. Snow is likely Wednesday night, mainly before 11 p.m.

So far, we're seeing a dusting in the region, but things are starting to pick up, says the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang.

"Per our forecasts yesterday, never expected much before 4-8am," Capital Weather Gang said on Twitter at 6:30 a.m. "So yes this 1st wave of mixed precip is arriving on time. That said we may be looking at low end of our forecast (which was already one of the lowest). Assessing now."

Update 12:26 p.m.: The Virginia Department of Transportation has just sent out an update that many Northern Virginia roads are currently snow-covered.

"The Virginia Department of Transportation asks drivers to continue to avoid driving for safety during the height of today's winter storm," the update reads. "As snow continues, even roads where plows have made a pass can quickly become covered. While interstates are mostly wet, ramps and shoulders remain slush-covered. Primary and secondary roads across the region are snow-covered or slushy. Snowfall, as well as vehicles kicking up slush, are limiting visibility."

Update: 11:42 a.m.: The storm continues to rage, and the National Weather Service says we could see up to 8 inches:

Update 11:24 a.m.: A total of 3-4 inches has fallen all around the D.C. region already, and it's still coming down.

Here are the latest updates in Arlington:

• Arlington County government offices, courts and facilities are closed Wednesday. All programs are cancelled.Arlington Parks & Recreation programs and activities are cancelled and all facilities are closed Wednesday.
• All Arlington County Public Schools are cancelled.
• All Arlington Public Library locations are closed Wednesday.
• Residential curbside trash service has been canceled Wednesday. Barring continuing weather issues, Wednesday's pickups will take place Thursday, Thursday's on Friday and Friday's on Saturday. Remove carts from curb today to prevent damage or snow burial.
• Animal Welfare League of Arlington is closed Wednesday. Please remember to keep your pets inside where they can stay safe and warm. If you have an animal-related emergency please call Animal Control at 703-931-9241.

Drivers should be aware that wintry weather could affect roads Tuesday and Wednesday. VDOT Northern VA is currently salting emergency and primary routes throughout Arlington.

AAA offers the following tips for driving on snowy or icy roads:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly; it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction your wheels are going if you start to skid. Do not hit brakes or gas.
• Increase following distance.
• Use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can help it. Slow down enough to stay moving until a traffic light changes.
• Don't speed up or stop going uphill. Try to get momentum going on a flat surface before you reach a hill and let inertia carry you to the top. At the crest of the hill, reduce your speed. Proceed as slowly as possible.

Important Virginia Utility Numbers Include:

• PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662
• Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission: 1-800-828-4002
• Virginia Natural Gas: (866) 229-3578
• Virginia American Water: (804) 333-4376

For more information about closings and snow-removal operations, visit the county’s snow information website here. Residents can also call 311 or 240-777-0311.