storm

Roads Become Covered As Snowstorm Ramps Up

By ARLnow.com
1/10

(Updated at 3:45 p.m.) Road conditions around Arlington are bad and are only expected to get worse as today’s snowstorm increases in intensity around rush hour.

Numerous crashes, involving cars, postal vehicles and buses, have been reported on Arlington’s roads and highways this afternoon. Other vehicles are getting stuck or spinning out of control on snow-covered hills. Sections of George Mason Drive and Carlin Springs Road are particularly treacherous, we hear.

ART buses are operating under a Severe Weather Policy, with limited service for ART 41, 51 and 77 routes and all other routes cancelled.

Via Twitter, Arlington residents report 1.5 to 3 inches of snow on the ground so far, with higher amounts generally to the north. The National Weather Service says 6-10 inches of snow will fall by the time the flakes tapers off tonight.

In addition to the snow, frigid temperatures and high winds are expected to bring additional wintry misery tonight. The predicted -5 to -15 degree wind chills prompted a plea from Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D).

“I urge every Virginian to make proper preparations as this storm moves in and brings snow, potentially life-threatening low temperatures and high winds,” Gov. McAuliffe said in a statement. “Unfortunately, injuries and even deaths from hypothermia, heart attack, stroke and traffic crashes are all too common during the winter storms of this type. Don’t travel unnecessarily, and be prepared to stay where you are until conditions improve.”

County, State Crews Preparing for Winter Storm

By ARLnow.com

Road salt being loaded onto a salt truck at the VDOT facility on Columbia PikeRoad crews from Arlington County and VDOT have been out in force today pre-treating roads in anticipation of tomorrow’s winter storm.

With 4-8 inches of snow likely, Arlington County says its crews are in a “Phase 1 alert” and are “prepped and ready to go.”

“We called in a team today to hook up our trucks with chains, spreaders and plows,” said Shannon Whalen McDaniel, spokeswoman for Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services. “We will also brine the roads throughout the night in preparation.”

VDOT, meanwhile, said “crews are pre-treating roads aggressively throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington counties today.”

“Crews will be out in force overnight and through the duration of the storm, treating icy roads and plowing snow,” VDOT said in a press release. “While VDOT is in full preparation mode, motorists are urged to make sure their vehicles are in proper driving condition for winter weather and have emergency kits. During the storm, motorists should avoid driving on the roads.”

WMATA says it will start the Tuesday on a normal weekday Metrorail and bus schedule, but may reduce rail service and suspend bus service later in the day as conditions deteriorate. MetroAccess service has been suspended for all of Tuesday.

“For your safety, travel only if necessary,” Metro said in an advisory. “If you must travel, plan to arrive at your destination before the worst of the storm, and be prepared to remain there until the storm passes. Check wmata.com before starting your trip or sign up for MetroAlerts to receive updated service information by email or text message.”

UPDATED: NWS Says 4-8 Inches of Snow Likely

By ARLnow.com

Snowball fight in front of the Clarendon Metro station on Feb. 6, 2010

(Updated at 10:40 p.m.) The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for Arlington the rest of the D.C. area this afternoon.

As of Monday night, forecasters are saying that 4-8 inches of snow is likely on Tuesday, with the heaviest snow falling around the evening rush hour.

Arlington Public Schools will be closed tomorrow due to a scheduled teacher work day. Alexandria and Fairfax County schools, among other local school systems, have announced that they will be closed Tuesday due to the snow.

From NWS:

… WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 11 PM EST TUESDAY…

* PRECIPITATION TYPE… SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS… 4 TO 8 INCHES… WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.

* TIMING… SNOW WILL DEVELOP BETWEEN 7 AM AND 10 AM TUESDAY MORNING. THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED DURING THE MIDDAY AND AFTERNOON HOURS. SNOW WILL TAPER OFF TUESDAY EVENING.

* TEMPERATURES… IN THE 20S WHEN SNOW BEGINS TUESDAY MORNING… THEN FALLING INTO THE TEENS TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. WIND CHILL VALUES WILL BE IN THE SINGLE DIGITS TUESDAY AFTERNOON… FALLING TO AROUND 10 BELOW ZERO TUESDAY EVENING.

* WINDS… NORTHEAST 5 TO 10 MPH… INCREASING TO 10 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS AROUND 30 MPH TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

* IMPACTS… ROADS WILL BE SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY. THE COMBINATION OF SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITY TO BELOW ONE-HALF MILE AT TIMES. TRAVELING WILL BECOME DANGEROUS TUESDAY. THE MORNING COMMUTE MAY BE IMPACTED BY THE SNOW… AND SIGNIFICANT IMPACT IS EXPECTED FOR THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING COMMUTE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL… KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT… FOOD… AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

Winter Storm Warning Issued

By ARLnow.com

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Arlington and the D.C. region.

Up to 6 inches of snow are forecast for the area. From NWS:

… WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 2 PM EST TUESDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 2 PM EST TUESDAY. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE… SNOW… HEAVY AT TIMES. PRECIPITATION MAY START AS A PERIOD OF SNOW AND SLEET BEFORE DAWN CHANGING TO ALL SNOW AFTER DAYBREAK.

* ACCUMULATIONS… 3 TO 6 INCHES.

* TIMING… AROUND DAYBREAK TUESDAY LASTING THROUGH EARLY TUESDAY AFTERNOON… INCLUDING THE TUESDAY MORNING RUSH HOUR.

* TEMPERATURES… UPPER 20S TO LOWER 30S.

* WINDS… NORTHWEST 5 TO 10 MPH.

* IMPACTS… HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED FROM HEAVY SNOW. THE SNOW WILL IMPACT THE MORNING RUSH TUESDAY WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR ACCUMULATION RATES OF 1-2 INCHES PER HOUR.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW WILL MAKE TRAVEL HAZARDOUS.

Storm Cleanup Continues As Arlington Braces For More Snow

By Ethan Rothstein
1/4

The effects of Sunday’s winter storm continue to be felt as the county braces for another Tuesday morning.

Reports of downed trees, branches and electrical wires, as well as several car accidents, have continued to come in during the day (Monday).

As of late this afternoon, N. Glebe Road was still closed between Military Road and Chain Bridge Road due to a large downed tree. As of 4:15 p.m., 788 Dominion Power customers in Arlington remained without power.

Two pedestrians were struck by vehicles in shopping center parking lots in Arlington today, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. It’s unclear if accumulated snow and ice played a role in the accidents.

Arlington Office of Emergency Management spokesman John Crawford said the storm’s impact could have been worse had it not arrived on a Sunday and had residents not been alerted by forecasters well ahead of time. Closing schools and governments allowing “liberal leave” prevented further safety issues today, Crawford said.

“I think our roadways were fairly clear” for the morning commute, he said.

The county may not be so lucky for the winter storm that could arrive Tuesday morning, however. The National Weather Service has downgraded what was a Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Weather Advisory at 2:30 p.m., but it’s still calling for 3-5 inches of snow between 3:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

NWS is warning of a “hazardous morning commute,” saying the heaviest snow will be falling during the morning rush hour, while OEM is also preparing for the possibility that the snow could pose more problems for the evening rush hour.

“We’re tracking and watching the storm very closely to see if it’s going to have a significant impact on Arlington,” Crawford said.

“Commuters should be well aware of conditions tomorrow,” he said. “Coming home could be very sloppy if the temperature remains below freezing. If you absolutely have to drive, just be smart, be cautious and be prepared.”

Crawford remembered “Carmageddon,” the last major winter storm that impacted the area during a rush hour commute. Drivers were stuck on the George Washington Parkway and I-66 for several hours on Jan. 26, 2011. There were more than 100 calls for disabled vehicles throughout Northern Virginia.

The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang is still unsure about the true nature of the coming storm, calling it “tricky to predict.” It could be less than 2 inches or more than 5 inches of snow, CWG forecasters say.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is urging drivers to check weather conditions before leaving for their morning commutes tomorrow morning, and to “limit travel or use caution.” More than 1,200 VDOT trucks and plows will be out by 4 a.m. to try to clear roadways, the department said.

More Snow on the Way: NWS Issues Winter Storm Watch

By ARLnow.com

Roads in Arlington after first snow of the winter 2013As Arlington cleans up downed tree branches and power lines from last night’s freezing rain, the region is bracing for another winter storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch, saying that 5 or more inches of snow is possible Tuesday. Other forecasters say the snow total is likely to be lower — perhaps 2-3 inches.

From the National Weather Service:

…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE…POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY SNOW. THE PRECIPITATION MAY START AS A PERIOD OF SLEET…ESPECIALLY SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 66 IN VIRGINIA…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA…AND U.S. ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND.

* ACCUMULATIONS…POTENTIAL FOR FIVE INCHES OR MORE OF SNOW.

* TIMING…NEAR DAWN TUESDAY THROUGH EARLY TUESDAY AFTERNOON…INCLUDING THE TUESDAY MORNING RUSH HOUR.

* TEMPERATURES…UPPER 20S AND LOWER 30S.

* WINDS…NORTH 5 TO 10 MPH.

* IMPACTS…HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE PROBABLE DUE TO ACCUMULATING SNOW…WHICH WILL CAUSE ADVERSE TRAVELING CONDITIONS. THE SNOW WILL LIKELY IMPACT THE MORNING RUSH TUESDAY WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR ACCUMULATION RATES OF 1-2 INCHES PER HOUR FOR A TWO-TO-FOUR HOUR PERIOD FROM DAYBREAK TO MID-TO-LATE MORNING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW…SLEET…OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Region

By ARLnow.com

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the greater D.C. region.

Forecasters say 1-2 inches of snow and a quarter inch of ice accumulation is likely.

…WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING.

* PRECIPITATION TYPE…SNOW AND SLEET WILL CHANGE OVER TO FREEZING RAIN SUNDAY AFTERNOON. FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED TO LAST UNTIL LATE SUNDAY NIGHT OR MONDAY MORNING BEFORE CHANGING TO RAIN.

* ACCUMULATIONS…1 TO 2 INCHES OF SNOW AND SLEET AND A QUARTER INCH OR MORE OF ICE ACCUMULATION IS POSSIBLE.

* TIMING…SNOW AND SLEET ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN SUNDAY MORNING. A CHANGEOVER TO FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED MIDDAY SUNDAY AND WILL CONTINUE INTO THE NIGHT BEFORE CHANGING OVER TO RAIN LATE SUNDAY NIGHT OR MONDAY MORNING.

* TEMPERATURES…AROUND 30 DEGREES.

* WINDS…LIGHT NORTHERLY WINDS.

* IMPACTS…HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE PROBABLE DUE TO SLICK ROADS AND ICY CONDITIONS SUNDAY AND POSSIBLY INTO MONDAY. INCREASED POWER OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW…SLEET…AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

Arlington Under Tornado Watch Today

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County and much of the rest of the D.C. region is under a Tornado Watch through 5:00 p.m.

Forecasters say an incoming cold front could produce strong storms and possibly tornados. From the National Weather Service:

A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL MOVE INTO THE MID-ATLANTIC STATES TODAY. SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS COULD PRODUCE A PERIOD HEAVY RAINFALL THIS AFTERNOON WITH LOCALIZED FLOODING MAINLY IN URBAN LOCATIONS. AN ISOLATED TORNADO AND LOCALLY DAMAGING WIND GUSTS ARE POSSIBLE WITH ANY THUNDERSTORMS THAT DEVELOP.

UPDATED: Arlington Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning

By Ethan Rothstein

Stormy sky over Rosslyn on 9/12/13

Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10:00 p.m. tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say severe storms may form as a cold front approaches the area. From Arlington County:

The NWS has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the NCR, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, effective until 2200 tonight. A cold front will approach the area today and will produce numerous thunderstorms. A few of these storms will be capable of producing locally damaging wind gusts and large hail.

Update at 4:25 p.m. — The county is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR… THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA… SOUTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… CITY OF FAIRFAX IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… CITY OF FALLS CHURCH IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… ARLINGTON COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… CITY OF ALEXANDRIA IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… WESTERN PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… CENTRAL FAIRFAX COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA…

* UNTIL 500 PM EDT

* AT 416 PM EDT…A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS DETECTED NEAR POTOMAC… AND ANOTHER OVER FAIRFAX CITY. THOSE STORMS ARE FORECAST TO COMBINE OVER THE DISTRICT AS THE MOVE EAST AT 10 MPH. THESE STORMS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE… THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA… BETHESDA… AMERICAN UNIVERSITY… CHEVY CHASE… GEORGETOWN… TAKOMA PARK… LANGLEY PARK… WHITE OAK… HILLANDALE…

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN ITS PATH…MOVE INDOORS TO A STURDY BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO…REPORT SEVERE WEATHER TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

THIS STORM IS PRODUCING FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER…YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. MOVE INDOORS IMMEDIATELY.

Update at 4:35 p.m. — Reagan National Airport is currently under a ground stop due to storms.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

The warning is in effect until 8:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR… THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA… SOUTHERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… CITY OF FAIRFAX IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… CITY OF FALLS CHURCH IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… ARLINGTON COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… CITY OF ALEXANDRIA IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… WESTERN PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… FAIRFAX COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA…

* UNTIL 845 PM EDT

* AT 754 PM EDT… A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS DETECTED NEAR RESTON… AND WAS MOVING EAST AT 25 MPH. THIS STORM IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE… WOLF TRAP… OAKTON… FAIRFAX… TYSONS CORNER… VIENNA… MERRIFIELD… MANTUA… PIMMIT HILLS… THE I66 AND I495 INTERCHANGE… THE AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE…

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

THIS IS A DANGEROUS STORM. IF YOU ARE IN ITS PATH… MOVE INDOORS TO A STURDY BUILDING AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS. WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO… REPORT SEVERE WEATHER TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OR TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.

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