As locals eat their lunch, all eyes are on the skies. Snow — likely heavy snow — is about to start falling in Arlington.
County and state crews say they’re ready to tackle what’s expected to be a messy mix of precipitation throughout the day: snow to start, freezing rain as the sun sets, and then plain rain as temperatures warm after nightfall, before perhaps a brief changeover back to soggy snow in the early morning hours.
The snowfall may start with a bit of a bang.
We are watching a heavy snow band progressing northwards as the storm is starting for many of us. Will lead to reduced visibility at times, especially in the DC Metro. pic.twitter.com/bZYe9l8Wxa
— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) January 16, 2022
In Arlington and across the region, main roads, bridges and highways have been pre-treated with brine ahead of the snowfall. VDOT says it has 3,800 pieces of equipment set to deploy in Northern Virginia during the storm.
“VDOT Northern Virginia crews are mobilizing for snow, freezing rain, and rain that is forecasted to significantly impact the region Sunday and Monday,” the state transportation agency said today. “Crews began the mobilization process Sunday morning. As always, residents are asked to monitor forecasts, plan ahead to avoid nonessential travel during winter weather, and to be aware of the potential for black ice and nightly refreeze as temperatures remain low.”
Arlington County is also encouraging residents to stay at home and off the roads as conditions deteriorate.
https://twitter.com/readyarlington/status/1482738996816101380?s=21
The county has about 40 trucks ready for its snow response. Typically, crews focus on primary and secondary routes to start, then start plowing neighborhood streets later.
First shift of County storm response begins at noon with some 40 trucks ready. For safety and effectiveness, plan to stay off roads until hours after the winter weather event has passed. #ArlWX https://t.co/DuInmBchJW pic.twitter.com/k7cItKR13N
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) January 16, 2022
This morning, in anticipation of the storm, Arlington’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation announced that community centers would be closed today, while the Long Bridge aquatics center would close early.
From DPR:
Arlington Mill, Lubber Run and Thomas Jefferson Community Centers, which were scheduled to open at 1 p.m. today, will remain closed. Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center, which opened at 8 a.m. today, will close at 1 p.m.
All virtual programs will continue as scheduled, including the 53rd Tribute to Rev. Dr., Martin Luther King Jr.
You can also stay engaged by enjoying the snow in one of our parks or trails. Want to stay inside? Check out our YouTube stations for options to be active and have fun for people of ages and interests.
Please stay safe.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Arlington and the immediate D.C. area.
From the National Weather Service:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 AM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…Mixed precipitation. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE…Portions of The District of Columbia, central, north central, northeast and northern Maryland and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 1 PM this afternoon to 1 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.