Winter Weather Information To Know For 2022-2023 Season In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Winter began Dec. 21, which means it's a good time to refresh your memory on winter weather preparedness information in the City of Alexandria.

When snow does accumulate, the city is responsible for clearing its 561 lane miles of roadway, 20 miles of city-owned walkways and trails, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots or city-owned squares. The Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for interstates.

The city pretreats select roads with brine when low temperatures are expected. However, brine treatment will not happen when rain is expected first.

Snow Removal By the City

The city typically plows snow emergency routes first, followed by secondary routes, intermediate routes and residential streets.

Weather emergency responses are based on the city's classification of the winter storm. A Level 1 storm happens when there are up to 8 inches of snow or other winter weather conditions. During a Level 1 storm, city snow removal crews will prioritize making snow-covered roads and sidewalks passable and making schools accessible. Roads may not be completely clear for up to three days.

A Level 2 storm is when there are more than 8 inches of snow, freezing rain with ice accumulation, or an ice and snow combination. During a Level 2 storm, city crews will prioritize making snow-covered roads passable for emergency and public utility vehicles and bringing roadway conditions to Level 1. Crews will then work on making roads passable, completely clearing them within five days. A Level 2 storm is associated with hazardous road conditions, and residents are asked to limit travel to emergency trips.

A Level 3 storm happens when there are significant snow accumulations, ice, or blizzard conditions. Roads would be closed to non-emergency vehicles and made passable for emergency vehicles. Crews would work 24/7 to bring roadway conditions to Level 2.

During a winter weather event, residents can use the city's SnowReport tracking system to check the status of roads. When roads are listed as closed, they are only open to emergency vehicles, as conditions are unsafe. A snow-covered road means a road has snow on it. Passable means a road has been plowed or treated but may require more plowing due to snowy or icy spots. Cleared means snow has been pushed to the sides of the street and the road has been treated. Drivers should still use caution and watch for icy spots and snow.

Residents must move their vehicles from snow emergency routes during snow emergencies to allow plowing.

These snow emergency routes include:

• King Street from Union Street to the western city limit
• Washington Street for length of city limit
• Duke Street from Washington Street to the western city limit
• U.S. Route 1 for length of city limit
• Braddock Road from North West Street to Beauregard Street
• Howard Street from Braddock Road to Jordan Street
• Jordan Street from Duke Street to Howard Street
• Eisenhower Avenue from Holland Lane to Van Dorn Street

Snow Removal Requirement for Residents

Property owners, businesses, occupants or community associations are responsible for clearing their sidewalks, driveways and entrances. Under city code, snow and ice must be cleared from a property's sidewalks within 24 to 72 hours of snowfall ending. The timing of when snow must be removed depends on whether the city declares the storm to be Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.

During a Level 1 storm, snow and ice must be cleared 24 hours after snowfall stops. During a Level 2 storm, snow and ice must be cleared 48 hours after snowfall stops. During a Level 3 storm, snow and ice must be cleared 72 hours after snowfall stops.

A violation of not clearing sidewalks can result in a $50 fine to the property owner. Violations of the sidewalk clearing ordinance are taken through the city's 311 or 703-746-4311.

Winter Storm Tips for Residents

Residents can help during a storm by staying off roads when snow or ice is present, avoiding parking on snow emergency routes, clearing fire hydrants and storm drains, avoiding shoveling snow onto sidewalks or streets and keeping shovels and salt/sand on hand. Sign up to become a Snow Buddy to help neighbors unable to shovel, and check on neighbors who may need help. Residents are encouraged to have an emergency kit and have an emergency plan.

Resources to Know

• Alexandria city government: For closings and cancellations, www.alexandriava.gov, eNews alert messages or city social media pages.
• Alexandria City Public Schools: For closings and cancellations, www.acps.k12.va.us/emergency, ACPS emergency eNews messages or call 703-866-5300.
• Warming center and shelters: Available to help residents without access to heating.
• Winter shelters: From Nov. 1 to March 31, the winter shelter at 2355-A Mill Road serves single adults, and Carpenter’s Shelter at 930 N. Henry St. serves families.
• DASH Bus: Service: Service changes possible during inclement weather. Follow DASH on Twitter and Facebook for announcements about service changes.
• Dominion Energy: Report power outages to 866-366-4357 or online at www.dominionenergy.com.
• Virginia American Water: Report issues with water service at 800-452-6863.
• Potline reporting: Contact the city online or by phone at 311 or 703-746-4311.
• Washington Gas: For problems with gas service, contact 703-750-1000. If you smell gas, leave the area, contact 911 and contact Washington Gas.
• Alexandria Renew Enterprises: For problems with wastewater service, contact 703-721-3500.