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Schools Closed, County Government Open As Frozen Precipitation Turns to Heavy Rain

By ARLnow.com

Snow, ice and rain on a road and sidewalk in FairlingtonArlington Public Schools are closed today after an ice storm overnight.

APS announced the cancellation decision around 4:30 a.m, as most roads and sidewalks were still icy from freezing rain. Fairfax County Public Schools and many other local school systems made the same call, although D.C. Public Schools are only on a two hour delay.

From APS:

All APS Schools will be closed and offices will open at Noon. Essential personnel should report to work at their scheduled time. Extracurricular activities, interscholastic games, team practices, field trips, adult education classes, and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled. For updates about Pool Operations, go to www.apsva.us/aquatics. For information about Arlington County operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.

As of 7:30 a.m., some streets and sidewalks were still treacherous, even as the freezing rain had changed over to plain rain earlier in the morning. As the temperature quickly warms into the 50s, the slick spots are becoming slushy and then melting completely.

The rain will be heavy at times today and some localized flooding is expected. The National Weather Service has issued.

* THROUGH THIS EVENING

* A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE ACROSS THE REGION TODAY. THIS WILL RESULT IN RAIN… WHICH WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE DAY. RAINFALL TOTALS ACROSS THE WATCH AREA ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE BETWEEN 0.50 TO 1.0 INCHES ACROSS SOUTHERN MARYLAND TO THE INTERSTATE 95 CORRIDOR TO 1.00 TO 1.50 INCHES WEST OF THE INTERSTATE 95 CORRIDOR. THE HEAVIEST RAINS ARE EXPECTED OVER THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS AND NORTH CENTRAL AND WESTERN MARYLAND. THIS HEAVY RAINFALL COUPLED WITH SNOW MELT WILL LEAD TO THE POTENTIAL OF SMALL STREAMS AND TRIBUTARIES IN THE WATCH AREA TO OVERFLOW THEIR BANKS.

* SMALL STREAMS AND TRIBUTARIES MAY OVERFLOW THEIR BANKS. ADDITIONALLY… URBAN AREAS PRONE TO POOR DRAINAGE WILL BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLOODING. THE TIME FOR THE GREATEST THREAT OF FLOODING WILL BE FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING.

The federal government is under a three hour delay today, with an unscheduled telework option for employees, the Office of Personnel Management announced. Arlington County government and courts, however, are opening on time, with unscheduled leave and telework options for employees, with a supervisor’s approval.

The county’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation, meanwhile, announced the following cancellations and delays.

  • Congregate meal programs located at Arlington Mill, Langston and Walter Reed are canceled.
  • All Early Childhood Programs (Preschool and Co-ops) are canceled.
  • DPR elementary or teen afterschool programs are canceled.
  • All Enjoy Arlington classes, 55+ classes, trips and nature center programs are canceled.
  • Sports league activities in APS standalone buildings are canceled.
  • Sports league activities in County facilities will proceed as scheduled based on weather conditions and the status of snow removal.
  • Gunston Community Center will open at 2 p.m. for normal operating hours.
  • Madison Center will open at 5 p.m. for normal operating hours.
  • Carver and Drew Community Centers will open at 6 p.m. for normal operating hours.
  • All other community centers, including joint use facilities located at Arlington Mill, Carver, Langston and Thomas Jefferson will open at noon.

VDOT Warns of Icy Road Conditions Tonight

By ARLnow.com

County and state road crews are working to keep main roads clear as the snow falls today, but VDOT says conditions may get worse tonight when snow changes to sleet and freezing rain.

VDOT is advising drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, particularly this afternoon. From a press release:

Virginia Department of Transportation crews continue to plow snow and treat roads across northern Virginia. Drivers are urged to stay home, as snow bursts quickly cover pavement between plow passes, and conditions are likely to deteriorate this afternoon when snow transitions to sleet and freezing rain. Through the evening, pavement temperatures are expected to remain several degrees colder than air temperatures, so that any precipitation will quickly freeze.

Close to 4,000 trucks will remain on duty through the day and overnight.

As Monday holidays tend to be popular travel days, VDOT asks that drivers strongly consider adjusting travel plans to avoid icy conditions.

If travel is absolutely necessary:

  • Check www.511virginia.org or the mobile app before leaving for latest road conditions.
  • Watch for black ice; brake and accelerate gently.
  • Ensure headlights are on, windshield wipers are in good condition and fluid is full.
  • Slow down and allow snow crews the right of way.
  • Report road hazards or ask questions – 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or report a problem.

Arlington Under Winter Storm Warning

By ARLnow.com

Snow on 2/15/16

About 4-6 inches of snow accumulation is expected in Arlington today as a winter storm makes its way through the area.

The snow is expected to transition to sleet, freezing rain and then just rain tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the area (below).

Thanks to today’s federal and state holiday, schools and county government offices are closed today. In addition, trash and recycling collection has been canceled in Arlington and all school buildings, athletic events and activities are canceled.

“Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel if possible,” Arlington County advises.

Metrobus, meanwhile, is operating under a severe service plan.

From the National Weather Service:

… WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EST TUESDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND FREEZING RAIN… WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EST TUESDAY. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE… SNOW… SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN.

* ACCUMULATIONS… SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 4 TO 6 INCHES… ALONG WITH AROUND A TENTH OF AN INCH OF ICE.

* TIMING… SNOW WILL CHANGE TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN THIS AFTERNOON… AND ALL FREEZING RAIN THIS EVENING. PRECIPITATION WILL GRADUALLY CHANGE TO RAIN LATE TONIGHT.

* WINDS… SOUTHEAST 10 TO 15 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES… IN THE LOW 20S… RISING TO THE LOWER 30S THIS AFTERNOON… AND ABOVE FREEZING BY LATE TONIGHT.

* IMPACTS… SNOW AND ICE WILL CAUSE SLIPPERY ROADS AND TRAVEL WILL BE DIFFICULT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW… SLEET… AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Ice on tree branches Forget the Winter Weather Advisory for an evening rush hour snowfall on Friday, which turned out to be a bust, the National Weather Service says some really messy winter weather will hit Arlington and the D.C. area on Monday.

NWS has issues a Winter Weather Advisory for Arlington, warning of the potential for several inches of snow followed by freezing rain on Monday.

The good news is that Monday is a federal and state holiday, though forecasters say an icy Tuesday morning commute is also a possibility.

… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM MONDAY TO 10 AM EST TUESDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW… SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM MONDAY TO 10 AM EST TUESDAY.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE… SNOW… SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN.

* ACCUMULATION… 3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW AND SLEET. AROUND ONE-TENTH OF AN INCH OF ICE FROM FREEZING RAIN.

* TIMING… SNOW WILL BEGIN BETWEEN 1 AND 3 AM MONDAY MORNING. SNOW WILL CHANGE TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN MONDAY AFTERNOON… AND ALL FREEZING RAIN MONDAY EVENING. PRECIPITATION WILL GRADUALLY CHANGE TO RAIN LATE MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY MORNING.

* WINDS… SOUTHEAST AROUND 5 TO 10 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES… IN THE TEENS TONIGHT… RISING INTO THE UPPER 20S TO LOWER 30S MONDAY INTO MONDAY NIGHT. TEMPERATURES WILL RISE INTO THE MID AND UPPER 40S TUESDAY.

* IMPACTS… SNOW AND ICE WILL CAUSE SLIPPERY ROADS AND TRAVEL WILL BE DIFFICULT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW… SLEET… OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES… AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

Winter Weather Advisory: Expect 1-3 Inches of Snow Tomorrow

By ARLnow.com

Very heavy traffic during a snowy evening commute on Jan. 20, 2016Update at 3:20 p.m. — WMATA says Metrobuses will operate on a Moderate Snow Plan on Tuesday.

It’s an uncertain forecast in part due to above-freezing temperatures today, but forecasters say D.C. area residents should expect 1-3 inches of snow between late tonight and Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, warning of the potential for snow accumulation disrupting driving tomorrow, particularly during the morning commute.

We all know what a measly inch of snow did during the nightmare evening commute a couple of weeks ago — though road crews are likely to be more prepared this time around.

The Clarendon-Courthouse Mardi Gras Parade, meanwhile, is once again being threatened by winter weather. On the parade’s website, organizers say they “will be making a weather announcement here mid-day on Tuesday, Feb. 9, about the parade,” which is scheduled for Tuesday night.

From the NWS:

… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO MIDNIGHT EST TUESDAY NIGHT…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO MIDNIGHT EST TUESDAY NIGHT.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE… SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS… SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 1 TO 3 INCHES… WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS PARTICULARLY IN THE NORTHWEST SUBURBS.

* TIMING… A MIXTURE OF RAIN AND SNOW WILL DEVELOP THIS EVENING. PRECIPITATION WILL TURN TO ALL SNOW AROUND OR SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT. PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CONTINUE INTO TUESDAY AND THE ADVISORY MAY NEED TO BE EXTENDED.

* IMPACTS… SNOW COVERED ROADS AND TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS.

* WINDS… NORTH 5 TO 10 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES… IN THE LOWER TO MIDDLE 30S.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES… AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

VDOT, meanwhile, says drives should be prepared for the possibility of a messy commute Tuesday. From a press release:

The Virginia Department of Transportation asks drivers to plan now for their commutes Tuesday, as several inches of snow are forecast to impact both the morning and evening rush hours in northern Virginia. Drivers are asked to monitor forecasts for changes or heavier weather bands that may impact their schedule, and to plan accordingly to telework, delay commutes or allow extra time for a slow and cautious trip.

Crews have treated interstates and major roads in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties with brine and liquid magnesium chloride in advance of the snow. Tonight, about 1,450 trucks will pre-deploy along interstates, main roads and neighborhood streets. They will remain on duty to plow and treat roads through the day Tuesday.

VDOT reminds drivers to use extreme caution during winter weather, to reduce speeds, and to be aware of potential slick spots such as bridges, ramps, hills, curves and shaded areas.

Reminders for drivers and residents:

If possible, park in driveways or on the odd-numbered side of the street to allow plows room to pass.

If you must be on the road, check www.511virginia.org or use the mobile app before leaving for road conditions.

Follow @vadotnova on Twitter.

VDOT’s Northern Virginia District includes Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties (Arlington maintains its own secondary roads).

Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Snow falls on 3/25/14 (file photo)Arlington may be on the edge of some accumulating snowfall Friday morning.

The National Weather Service has included in a Winter Weather Advisory that includes mostly points east and south of D.C. The snow is expected to fall between 5 and 8 a.m., during the morning rush hour.

From NWS:

… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST FRIDAY…

* PRECIPITATION TYPE… RAIN CHANGING TO SNOW.

* HAZARD TYPES… ACCUMULATING SNOW LATE TONIGHT.

* ACCUMULATIONS… 1 TO 2 INCHES… WITH UP TO 3 INCHES NEAR THE CHESAPEAKE BAY.

* TIMING… RAIN WILL CHANGE TO SNOW BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FROM NORTHWEST TO SOUTHEAST. A PERIOD OF MODERATE SNOW IS EXPECTED BETWEEN 5 AM AND 8 AM… ENDING QUICKLY BY MID-MORNING FRIDAY.

* IMPACTS… ROADS MAY BECOME SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE.

* WINDS… NORTHWEST 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES… IN THE LOWER TO MID 30S… EXCEPT AROUND 30 NEAR THE MASON-DIXON LINE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES… AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

Arlington Under Dense Fog Advisory

By ARLnow.com

National Weather Service fog advisoryArlington County and much of the D.C. area is under a dense fog advisory through 7:00 a.m. Thursday.

From the National Weather Service:

… DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST THURSDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A DENSE FOG ADVISORY… WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST THURSDAY.

* VISIBILITIES… ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES. WHERE THE VISIBILITY ROSE EARLY IN THE EVENING… IT IS EXPECTED TO DROP AGAIN DURING THE LATE EVENING.

* IMPACTS… AREAS OF DENSE FOG WILL CAUSE SUDDEN REDUCTIONS IN VISIBILITY AND RAPIDLY CHANGING TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILITIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE. IF DRIVING… SLOW DOWN… USE YOUR LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS… AND LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD OF YOU.

Flood Watch Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Flooding and rain on 10/15/14Heavy rain, water-laden ground and melting snow are a recipe for potential flooding today.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Arlington and much of the D.C. region from noon today to late tonight.

From NWS:

… FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM NOON EST TODAY THROUGH LATE TONIGHT…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS EXPANDED THE

* FLOOD WATCH TO INCLUDE PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MARYLAND… THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA… INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS… IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… ANNE ARUNDEL… CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST HOWARD… CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST MONTGOMERY… NORTHWEST HOWARD… NORTHWEST MONTGOMERY AND PRINCE GEORGES. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA… EASTERN LOUDOUN… FAIRFAX… PRINCE WILLIAM/MANASSAS/MANASSAS PARK AND WESTERN LOUDOUN.

* FROM NOON EST TODAY THROUGH LATE TONIGHT

* THE COMBINATION OF MELTING SNOW AND PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN COULD RESULT IN FLOODING OF URBAN AREAS AND STREAMS THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT. RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL AVERAGE BETWEEN ONE HALF AND ONE INCH… WITH ISOLATED SPOTS BETWEEN ONE AND TWO INCHES POSSIBLE.

* IN ADDITION… ICE MAY BE ON SOME OF THE SMALL STREAMS WHICH COULD ENHANCE THE FLOODING POTENTIAL.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP.

Watch ‘Snowzilla’ Blanket Arlington in Time-Lapse Videos

By Tim Regan

Want to relive the snowstorm? Two new time-lapse videos from ARLNow readers show the effects of “Snowzilla” as it blanketed the area this weekend.

Another video that Youtube user Josh Wagner shot from his apartment in Pentagon City shows the monster storm’s progression between Friday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m.

Got a video you’d like to share? Tweet at us or send us an e-mail.

VDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Put Amid Snow Removal

By Tim Regan

I66 29Though the snow has stopped falling, Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) says plenty of work must be done to dig out area roads.

Although VDOT says most interstates and primary routes in “minor to moderate condition,” many side roads are still completely covered in snow and ice.

“Even though the snow has stopped and dry weather is on the horizon, snow removal will be very extensive through the week,” VDOT said in a statement released earlier this morning.

VDOT urges drivers to “stay off roads to give crews space to clear snow and ice.”

Image via VDOT traffic camera

Arlington Wakes Up to Foot of Snow and Counting

By Tim Regan

Cars stuck in snow on Wilson blvd

More than a foot of snow has already fallen across the Arlington area, according to the National Weather Service. And it’s only going to get worse.

Wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, whiteout conditions and up to another foot of snowfall are possible through late tonight, says the Capital Weather Gang.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), most roads throughout the area are in “moderate to severe” condition, meaning that a layer of snow or ice partially or fully covers the roadway. VDOT added that workers in Northern Virginia will attempt to clear interstates, high-volume roads and subdivisions throughout the day.

Residents are being strongly urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Most seem to be heeding the advice, as traffic is nearly nonexistent even on normally busy roads in Ballston. Still, some people are making a go of it, despite VDOT’s advice. A pair of drivers were observed struggling to climb a hill on Wilson Boulevard in Rosslyn around 7:30 a.m. this morning.

Though the snowy conditions thwarted drivers across the area, Dominion has not reported any widespread power outages throughout the area since the blizzard began.

Here’s what some other ARLNow readers reported on Twitter throughout the night and early this morning:

What are you seeing out there? We want to hear from you. Tweet at us or send us an e-mail. We will provide live updates as the storm progresses today.

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