snow

Photos: Wintry scenes around Arlington after second snowstorm this week

By James Jarvis
1/21

(Updated at 5:20 p.m.) A significant snowfall blanketed Arlington today, transforming the county into a picturesque winter scene.

Residents across the area experienced a mix of disruptions and delightful winter activities as the snow, which began in the early morning, continued steadily throughout the day on Friday.

While VDOT and Arlington County crews were busy treating the roads, children and families ventured to parks and hills, reveling in sledding and play following the closure of Arlington Public Schools.

Today’s snowfall is the second significant snowstorm of the week after none for two years.

Earlier today, Arlington County announced it had begun phase two of its snow removal efforts, focusing on treating and plowing arterial roads. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. tonight (Friday).

This morning, meanwhile, Arlington County announced the cancellation of trash and recycling collection today due to the inclement weather and challenging road conditions. Trash and recycling, but not organics, will be collected tomorrow instead.

“The County’s contractor will have additional trucks and crews tomorrow, Jan. 20, to service customers who are on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday routes,” per the county website.

GW Parkway closed, bus schedules curtailed as snow continues to fall

By ARLnow.com
Snow falling on Wilson Blvd in Bluemont

Today’s snowfall — the second significant snowstorm of the week after none for two years — is overperforming.

More than two inches have fallen so far and another 1-2 inches is expected through this afternoon, according to the Capital Weather Gang. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect.

VDOT and Arlington County crews are out treating local roads. Owing in some combination to the snow crews and the salt already on the roads, major and arterial roadways in Arlington appear to be in relatively good shape on traffic cameras.

“Crews started mobilizing early this morning as areas of snow returned across Northern Virginia,” VDOT said. “Please give them plenty of space on the roads as they work to keep them clear. As always, residents are asked to monitor forecasts, limit nonessential travel, and be aware of the potential for icy spots as freezing temperatures are forecast today into the weekend.”

The under-construction portion of the GW Parkway, meanwhile, was temporarily closed earlier today — as it was earlier this week — in anticipation of the snow.

“The George Washington Memorial Parkway, from I-495 to Spout Run, is closed due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area,” the National Park Service said. “This closure is necessary to ensure the proper treatment of the roadway and to restore the parkway to safe travel conditions. Crews will work diligently to treat the roadway for safe passage of motorists.”

“Motorists should anticipate delays in reopening the north parkway as crews are required to use smaller equipment than usual to accommodate the lane widths and configurations,” NPS added. “Please plan to use alternate routes. A follow-up alert will be distributed once the parkway has reopened.”

As previously reported, Arlington Public Schools is closed today, while the federal government is opening on a two-hour delay. Arlington County government, however, opened on time.

Metro and ART bus schedules have been curtailed as a result of the snow.

“Arlington Transit will be shifting to severe service level, only routes 41, 45, 51, 55, 77, 87, 87A and 87P run during this service level,” ART noted just before 9 a.m.

Metro is on a “moderate” snow plan.

“Under the Moderate plan, service will be suspended on some routes and buses detour around roads prone to hazardous conditions, including many neighborhood streets,” WMATA said in a press release. “Customers are advised to travel only if necessary, as snow and ice may create dangerous conditions, causing delays and increased wait times. If snow is blocking the curb, customers are advised to wait on the sidewalk instead of the street until the bus arrives.”

Deicing and snow removal operations are underway at National Airport, but runways are open and flights continuing to arrive and depart.

JUST iN: School cancelled Friday due to snow, APS announces

By ARLnow.com
Snow at Swanson Middle School (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington Public Schools has preemptively given students a snow day and an effective three day weekend due to expected accumulating snowfall tomorrow.

APS made the announcement just before 6 p.m., with several inches of snow in the forecast for Friday. Neighboring Alexandria and Fairfax County also announced Friday closures.

More from APS:

Fri, Jan. 19, 2024: Code 1 – All APS Schools & Offices Closed   

CODE 1: Due to the Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Arlington tomorrow, all APS schools and offices will be closed Fri, Jan. 19, 2024. Unless otherwise directed by their supervisors, custodial and maintenance staff should report to work at their scheduled time. Extracurricular activities, 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 programs and operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.

The National Weather Service is currently predicting 2-3 inches of snow for Arlington, with the flakes starting to fly before sunrise.

NEW: Winter Weather Advisory issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Close-up view of a snow plow in Arlington (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Updated at 6 p.m. — Arlington Public Schools has cancelled classes Friday.

Get ready for more snow.

A Winter Weather Advisory was just issued for Arlington and other D.C. area jurisdictions. Forecasters are currently calling for 1-3 inches of snow locally, mostly falling on Friday.

The advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow. It cautions of slippery road conditions caused by the snowfall.

More, below, from the National Weather Service.

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 7 PM EST FRIDAY…

* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches north of US-50/I-66 with amounts around 1 inch to the south.

* WHERE…Portions of central and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia.

* WHEN…From 4 AM to 7 PM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the morning commute.

JUST IN: Arlington schools to open after two-hour delay Wednesday

By ARLnow.com
Yorktown High School in the snow (file photo)

After a snow day today, Arlington students will be going back to school on Wednesday — but on a two-hour delay.

Arlington Public Schools made the following announcement at 6 p.m.

Wed, Jan. 17, 2024: Code 2 – All APS Schools & Offices Will Open 2 Hours Late

CODE 2: Due to hazardous conditions resulting from yesterday’s storm, all APS schools and offices will open two hours late tomorrow, Wed, Jan. 17, 2024. The Extended Day program will also open two hours late and morning field trips are canceled. Custodial and maintenance staff and food service workers should report to work at their regularly scheduled time. All other employees should report to work two hours past their usual start time. For updates about Pool Operations, go to www.apsva.us/aquatics. For information about Arlington County operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.

Neighboring Alexandria and Fairfax County also announced two hour delays for Wednesday. Alexandria City Public Schools cited “extreme temperatures and the potential for hazardous conditions” as the reason for the delayed opening.

NWS: Expect slick roads tonight as temperatures drop and winds pick up

By ARLnow.com
Building a snowman in Tara-Leeway Heights (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 11:55 a.m.) Light freezing drizzle and snow is falling now, but a change this afternoon may bring new hazards.

The wintry precipitation is expected to taper off around noon, just as temperatures start dropping and the wind picks up.

In a new Special Weather Statement, the National Weather Service says those on the roads should expect slick spots.

…Areas of freezing drizzle through midday. Becoming blustery and turning sharply colder in the afternoon…

Areas of freezing drizzle can be expected from the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay until about noon today. Precipitation may change briefly back to snow before it ends with little or no additional snow accumulation expected. As the precipitation ends, expect blustery northwest winds to strengthen and gust to about 30 mph with temperatures decreasing during the afternoon. Expect slick spots on roadways especially over bridges and any untreated surfaces.

Arlington County, meanwhile, says its snow crews are now tackling residential streets, having already treated arterial routes.

“Residential streets may only be passable with one lane and you may not see bare pavement yet,” the county noted on social media.

Arlington property owners also have a snow removal responsibility, thanks to a circa-2010 county ordinance.

“A recent weather event has concluded and deposited snow/ice accumulations of less than 6 inches,” the county noted. “Arlington’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance requires residents and businesses to clear adjacent public sidewalks of snow and ice by 6:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.”

Due to poor road conditions, trash and recycling collection in Arlington has been delayed another day, according to Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services.

In all, Arlington — as measured at National Airport — received just over 4 inches of snow from the MLK Day storm. More snow is in the forecast for Friday.

JUST IN: Winter Storm Warning issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Snow in Rosslyn on a traffic camera just before 11 p.m. on Jan. 15, 2024

(Updated at 12:40 a.m.) Arlington is now under a Winter Storm Warning, with total snowfall expected to reach 4-6 inches.

The National Weather Service upgraded the previous Winter Weather Advisory around 10:30 p.m. The snow accumulation is making travel difficult, prompting Metro and Arlington Transit to implement severe snow plans for buses.

The snow is also delaying and cancelling flights at National Airport — and reportedly stranding several flights on the tarmac for extended periods of time. The GW Parkway remains closed between Spout Run and the Beltway, due to the snow.

From NWS:

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1028 PM EST Mon Jan 15 2024

…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST TUESDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy snow, possibly changing to light freezing rain or freezing drizzle along the Interstate 95 corridor toward morning. Total snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.

* WHERE…Portions of central Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…Until 10 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Moderate to heavy snow this evening and overnight may produce snow of one half to one inch per hour and reduce visibility to one half mile or less at times. Snow intensity will taper off toward morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

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.

Arlington Public Schools has canceled classes tomorrow and the county government will, as of now, open on a delay.

Federal government offices are also closing for the day.

Metro, meanwhile, issued the following press release Monday night about its operating status. Metro — along with Arlington Transit — is operating limited bus service due to the snow.

For the rest of the evening on Monday, Jan. 15, and early morning on Tuesday, Jan. 16, Metrobus will be operating under its Severe Snow Plan with approximately 40-plus bus routes operating.

Under a Severe Snow Plan, bus service is limited to major roads, with additional snow detours possible based on road conditions.

Customers are advised to travel only if necessary, as snow and ice may create hazardous conditions, causing delays and increased wait times. If snow is blocking the curb, wait on the sidewalk instead of the street until the bus arrives.

Metro is deploying resources throughout the system and across the region to monitor road conditions and keep parking lots, walkways, and stations clear of snow. Customers should build in additional travel time and use caution on platforms, escalators, parking lots, and other areas that may be slippery.

Metrorail is running regular service, though service may change based on weather conditions and staffing availability.

MetroAccess is running regular service, but customers are encouraged to travel only if necessary. Some trips may experience delays due to road conditions. If door-to-door service is not possible, curb-to-curb service will be provided instead.

The decision to reduce bus service was made to support the safety of our customers and employees. The plan was developed in conjunction and coordination with our jurisdictions and regional partners.

Metro will re-evaluate weather conditions throughout the day Tuesday and we aim to return to normal bus service as soon as conditions allow.

Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts text and email messages to receive the latest service updates. You can also visit the Status and Alerts page and check Metro’s social media channels @wmata@MetrorailInfo and @Metrobusinfo.

NEW: Tuesday is a snow day for Arlington Public Schools

By ARLnow.com
An Arlington Public Schools employee clears snow from in front of Barrett Elementary School in 2015 (file photo)

(Updated at midnight) There will be no classes for Arlington Public Schools students Tuesday.

The snow day means at least a four-day weekend for students, when combined with today’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. APS made the announcement around 6 p.m.

Tue, Jan. 16, 2024: Code 1 – All APS Schools & Offices Closed  

CODE 1: All APS schools and offices will be closed tomorrow, Tue, Jan. 16, 2024. Unless otherwise directed by their supervisors, custodial and maintenance staff should report to work at their scheduled time. Extracurricular activities, 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 programs and operations go to www.arlingtonva.us.

Nearby Alexandria, Fairfax County, D.C. and Montgomery County have also announced snow days. The area is, as of 11 p.m., under a Winter Storm Warning, with a couple of additional inches of accumulation expected overnight.

Arlington County government offices and courts, meanwhile, will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, while libraries are set to open at noon, the county announced Monday night. The federal government will be closed.

At Reagan National Airport, the FAA is reporting, as of midnight, a Ground Stop due to snow and ice.

NBC 4 chief meteorologist Doug Kammerer said on social media that he arrived on an flight that’s now stranded on the tarmac at DCA while snow is cleared from runways. There are numerous other reports on social media of passengers stranded on planes at the airport.

 

As snow continues to fall tonight, local roads are getting treacherous.

One crash near Rosslyn caused by the snow tonight was caught on video, below.

Winter Weather Advisory issued, part of GW Parkway closed due to expected snow

By ARLnow.com
MLK Jr. Day 2024 snowfall (Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler)

Update at 11 p.m. — The Winter Weather Advisory has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning.

Earlier: Arlington and the immediate D.C. area is under a Winter Weather Advisory, with several inches of additional snow accumulation expected.

The advisory from the National Weather Service was issued this morning. While light snow is currently falling, adding to the dusting from overnight Sunday into Monday, heavier snowfall is expected later this afternoon and tonight.

From NWS:

URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1011 AM EST Mon Jan 15 2024

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST TUESDAY…

* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches.

* WHERE…Portions of central and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and central and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…Until 7 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the afternoon and evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…There will be a brief lull in snow intensity this morning before picking back up again this afternoon. The snow is expected to continue through the night, before winding down just prior to daybreak Tuesday.

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.

Drivers are being encouraged to take it slow as some local roads remain slick and snow-covered. The National Park Service, meanwhile, has closed the GW Parkway from Spout Run in Arlington to the Beltway — where construction has been taking place.

The closure is “until further notice,” due to safety concerns during the snow.

From NPS:

The George Washington Memorial Parkway, from 495 to Spout Run, is closed due to the forecasted severe winter weather in the area. This closure is necessary to ensure the proper treatment of the roadway and to restore the parkway to safe travel conditions. Crews will work diligently to treat the road for safe passage of drivers. Drivers should anticipate delays in reopening the northern section of the parkway as crews are required to use smaller equipment than usual to accommodate the lane widths and configurations. Please plan to use alternate routes.

A follow-up alert will be distributed once the parkway has reopened. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler

UPDATED: Snow and hazardous driving conditions possible Monday morning

By ARLnow.com
Weather radar image of arriving snow as of 11:30 a.m.

Update at 9:30 p.m. — More snow, including some accumulation, is now possible early Monday morning. Forecasters say it could cause major problems on the roads. From NWS:

841 PM EST Sun Jan 14 2024

…POTENTIAL WINTER COMMUTING HAZARD FOR THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND MONDAY MORNING…

There is a potential for hazardous commuting conditions for the Monday morning commute. A period of snow is POSSIBLE (a 40 to 60 percent chance) late tonight into Monday morning across the Washington metro area into southern Maryland with up to an inch of accumulation along with the potential for snow covered roads.

If this threat does materialize during the late tonight through the Monday morning commute, many roads could quickly turn snow covered. This could lead to dangerous traveling conditions, multiple accidents, and extensive delays.

If commuting late tonight through Monday morning, be aware of the POSSIBILITY of significant travel disruptions. Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options.

Stay tuned for updates on this potential winter weather episode.

Earlier: If the blowing wind and sudden arrival of dark clouds did not make it clear, we’re about to get a change in the weather.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement, warning that an incoming snow shower may bring reduced visibility and light accumulation to the area.

More from NWS:

…LIGHT SNOW WILL AFFECT THE DC METRO INTO CENTRAL MARYLAND…
Snow may coat elevated and grassy surfaces through midday, and with temperatures falling into the lower to middle 30s, some untreated surfaces may become slick. Wind gusts around 30 to 40 mph combined with the snow may reduce visibility to near one mile at times.

Locations impacted include…

Arlington, Alexandria, Centreville, Waldorf, Dale City, Bethesda, Reston, Bowie, Annandale, Clinton, Springfield, College Park, Crofton, South Riding, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, Fairfax, Langley Park, Beltsville, and Fort Hunt.

This includes the following highways…
Interstate 95 in Maryland between mile markers 2 and 34.
Interstate 270 in Maryland between mile markers 1 and 3.
Slow down and allow extra time when traveling.

Arlington County applying brine to ‘tricky spots’ ahead of storm, just in case

By ARLnow.com
Snow falls in the Westover neighborhood on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 1:45 p.m.) This weekend’s coastal storm is expected to fall as mostly rain in Arlington, but the county is preparing just in case.

If you were among the 76% of ARLnow readers to predict less than an inch of snow in Wednesday’s poll, congratulations — one day out, the forecasters agree with you. The storm is currently expected to start as snow Saturday morning, leaving maybe a coating of accumulation locally before switching to sleet and heavy rain.

Even a coating could cause problem on some roads, though, and on the off-chance the storm overperforms in terms of snowfall, prep work could give crews a head start. To that end, Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services is applying brine lines to “hills, bridges and known trouble spots” today.

“Brining the tricky spots,” DES spokesman Peter Golkin confirmed to ARLnow in a brief email. “As per usual, best that people stay off the roads until a winter storm passes.”

VDOT, meanwhile, said Friday afternoon that it is gearing up for the storm, too.

“Northern Virginia District crews are ready for snowfall, wintry precipitation, and rain that is forecast to impact the region Saturday,” the department said. “As always, residents are asked to monitor forecasts, change travel plans if conditions worsen, and be aware of the potential for black ice and refreezing as temperatures remain low.”

Golkin also had a message for Arlington residents: don’t overdo it when putting down salt on sidewalks and driveways.

“We hope folks go easy on the salt,” Golkin wrote. “A little does a lot.”

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