snow

Big Pile of Snow Still Hanging on in Ballston

By ARLnow.com
1/5

It’s much diminished from its post-blizzard glory, but the big snow pile next to the Ballston mall parking garage is still hanging on despite temperatures well into the 70s.

The snow pile was melting steadily when we visited it yesterday afternoon. The ground around it was gray, from the dirt deposited as the glacier-like pile recedes.

The pile was created by local snow crews, which dumped the snow they were removing from roads there and in a number of other locations around Arlington.

With a high of 80 predicted today and tomorrow, the snow pile may not be long for this world. Which means it won’t match the longevity of its snow pile cousin — which survived until April in the same location six years ago.

Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Bike tracks in the snow (Flickr pool photo by Dennis Dimick)Old Man Winter isn’t done with us yet. Arlington and the D.C. region is under a Winter Weather Advisory tonight through Friday morning.

The National Weather Service is warning of a potentially slippery AM commute, with 1-3 inches of snow expected to fall overnight.

From NWS:

… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY…

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 10 AM EST FRIDAY.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE… SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS… ONE TO THREE INCHES… TWO TO FOUR INCHES ACROSS SOUTHERN MARYLAND.

* TIMING… PRECIPITATION WILL MOVE INITIALLY AS A RAIN AND SNOW MIX EARLY THIS EVENING… TRANSITIONING TO ALL SNOW LATE THIS EVENING. SNOW IS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT… IMPACTING THE MORNING COMMUTE… EVENTUALLY TAPERING OFF BY MIDDAY FRIDAY.

* IMPACTS… THE SNOW WILL CAUSE SLIPPERY ROADS… RESULTING IN HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS.

* WINDS… EAST 5 TO 10 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 MPH.

* TEMPERATURES… IN THE LOWER 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.

Arlington County is planning to begin pretreating roads later tonight.

Flickr pool photo by Dennis Dimick

Photos: Remembering the Presidents Day Snow and Ice Storm

By ARLnow.com
1/10

One day ago, Arlington was a frigid winter wonderland, with several inches of snow on the ground. There were dogs playing and kids sledding during the day, and a dangerous glaze of ice courtesy of freezing rain at night.

Today, as of Tuesday afternoon, the temperature was in the mid-40s, most of the snow and ice is gone or turned to slush, and some blue sky can even be seen outside.

In memory of the short-lived Presidents Day winter blast, here are some photos from our Flickr pool contributors, and some tweets from our Twitter followers.

https://twitter.com/MeganFitz/status/699305919197347840

Flickr photos courtesy Kevin Wolf, TheBeltWalk and Erinn Shirley

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.

Arlington Public Schools Evening Activities Cancelled, Community Centers Closing Early

By ARLnow.com

Ahead of tonight’s potentially disruptive snow, Arlington Public Schools has cancelled all evening activities.

From APS:

The National Weather Service has issued a warning for icy road conditions today from 5pm to 11pm and encourages everyone to adjust their travel plans during this time. As a result of the forecast for rush hour this evening, all APS Late Athletic Buses as well as all APS evening activities are cancelled for today.  Tonight’s Summer Activities Fair is also canceled and will be held next Friday, Feb. 19. The APS Extended Day Program will close at the regular time, but parents are encouraged to pick up their children earlier if possible.

The cancelled activities include athletic events, like tonight’s scheduled Wakefield High School basketball games and senior night.

https://twitter.com/WakeAthletics/status/698221328172711937

Also tonight, Arlington County community centers will be closing at 5 p.m. That and other cancellations from the Arlington Dept. of Parks and Recreation:

  • The Summer Camp Fair scheduled at Thomas Jefferson Community Center tonight at 6 p.m. is canceled.
  • All community centers (joint use and standalone) will close for the evening at 5 p.m.
  • All Enjoy Arlington classes, 55+ classes, trips and nature center programs in all buildings with start times of 4 p.m. or later are canceled.
  • All Sports activities, leagues and instructional programs are canceled for this evening.
  • DPR Elementary and Teen After-school Programs will close at 5 p.m.
  • All other events and activities scheduled after 5 p.m. this evening are canceled.
  • All synthetic fields are closed for this evening.
  • Powhatan Springs Skate park closed after 5 p.m.

The snow is currently not expected to start falling in Arlington until around 8 p.m. From the Capital Weather Gang:

VDOT, County Road Crews Prepare for Potentially Snowy Evening Commute

By ARLnow.com

Traffic in Arlington on Jan. 20VDOT and Arlington County says it will have crews pre-treating roads ahead of a potentially disruptive period of snow during the evening commute.

In a press release, VDOT says that motorists should “use extreme caution” tonight.

Snow showers are expected to begin as early at 5 p.m. and accumulation is likely given the frigid temperatures.

Although a three-day weekend is on the horizon, motorists are asked to finish trips in northern Virginia by early afternoon today, says the Virginia Department of Transportation, or plan to use extreme caution during the evening rush hour. With below-freezing temperatures in place and snow showers expected to begin as early as 5 p.m., VDOT will have 1,150 trucks deployed to continually treat roads by early afternoon. Crews began treating roads in advance yesterday and are finishing mid-day today.

What drivers should know

  • Snow showers are expected to begin as early as 5 p.m., with temperatures well below freezing through the night.
  • Drivers are asked to leave early today if possible to be off the road prior to the storm, to avoid icy conditions and give crews room to work.
  • If driving is necessary, be alert possible icy conditions. Reduce speeds, increase following distance, and brake gently. Plan now to allow extra time for a slow and extremely cautious trip.
  • Icy conditions are possible through the rush hour and overnight; with icy patches possible through the weekend given the low temperatures forecasted.

Check www.511virginia.org or the mobile app before leaving for road conditions.

Arlington County is also encouraging “caution” on the roads tonight.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Bike tracks in the snow (Flickr pool photo by Dennis Dimick)

Snow Possible During PM Commute — Another “flurrypocalypse” is possible during tonight’s evening commute. Forecasters say some snowfall is possible durning rush hour, and the frigid temperatures could allow enough snow accumulation for a repeat of the nightmare commute of Jan. 20. Road crews, however, say they’re ready. [Capital Weather Gang, Twitter, Twitter]

What To Do If Someone Needs Shelter — With bitter, possibly record cold temperatures expected this weekend, Arlington County says residents should call the county’s Homeless Services Center at 703-228-1010 if they know of anyone who needs shelter from the elements. [Twitter]

Long-Time Electoral Board Member Reappointed — Allen Harrison, Jr. has served on the Arlington Electoral Board for 29 years and was just reappointed in time for the March 1 presidential primary. Harrison, who is the Republican representative on the Board, is thinking about resigning before the November general elections. He’s the second-longest-serving Electoral Board member in Arlington history. [InsideNova]

Flickr pool photo by Dennis Dimick

VIDEO: Arlington Gives a Peek Into its Assault on ‘Snowzilla’

By Andrew Ramonas

Arlington County has released a behind-the-scenes look at its battle against “Snowzilla” last month.

With the help of snowplows, a snow melting machine and other equipment, workers cleared 2.37 million cubic yards from area streets during the January blizzard. That’s enough to fill 47 football fields with 30 feet of snow.

But “fatigue becomes a big issue,” Mark Gundersen, the county’s operations manager, said in the video. Snow removal crews worked 12-hour shifts for seven consecutive days, he noted.

“We have great pride in all our staff,” Gundersen said. “The staff has great pride in what they do, and it shows in their work.”

Snowzilla Graphic (Image via YouTube/Arlington County)

Image via YouTube/Arlington County

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