Snow Storm Frequently Asked Questions
When will my street be plowed?
The City conducts plowing according to a list of priorities. City crews treat and plow all primary and secondary emergency routes first. After these routes are addressed, crews will begin plowing residential streets. Depending on the severity of the storm, it could take three or more days following the end of snowfall before crews reach residential streets, and five or more days before all streets are plowed. The combination of the two storms this week means that the City was unable to complete plowing operations from the first storm before the second storm dumped new snow. Please remain patient and stay home until the City can treat and plow your neighborhood.
Where should I park?
Whenever possible, please move all vehicles out of parking lanes before the storm begins. This keeps roads clear for plow equipment, reduces the chance of damage to your vehicle, and prevents your vehicle from getting snowed in. If you are parked on a posted snow emergency route, your vehicle may be ticketed or towed if it is not moved. For alternate parking locations, please see alexandriava.gov/Parking .
Why did I just see a truck drive by without its plow down?
Keep in mind that you may see many trucks before, during, and after a snow storm, each of which may be operated by the City, by a contractor hired by the City, by a private property owner, or by a contractor hired by a private property owner. The City can only explain the procedures used by City staff and contractors. If a plow is up on a City or City contractor truck, it may be because the truck is beginning or ending its shift, is returning for fuel or salt, is repositioning from one priority road to another, or is applying salt so that the snow will be soft enough to plow on the next pass.
A street near mine was just plowed. Does that mean my street will be next?
The City plows and treats streets in priority order. If the street that was just plowed is at the same priority as yours (e.g. they are both residential), it is likely that your street will be plowed soon. Other factors – such as equipment maintenance, crew shifts, and refueling – may mean that there will still be a delay before crews reach your street. If the first street was a higher priority (e.g. it was a primary route and yours is a residential street, or it was a hilly street and yours is flat), the plow truck may move to another street at the same priority.
Why does it take so long to plow the streets?
The City is responsible for 521 lane miles of roadways, and that's in addition to 20 miles of sidewalks and pathways, plus public areas and facilities with significant areas of parking and assembly space. Before, during, and after a snow storm, City crews work around the clock, in 12-hour shifts, using all available equipment and personnel. Still, clearing snow is difficult work that requires crews to adapt to constantly changing conditions. Heavy snow, or even a small accumulation of ice, is very hard on plow equipment and can cause damage to plows that must be frequently inspected and repaired. Please remember that even if your street has not yet been cleared, City crews have been working as hard as possible to move through the City's road network.
My street was partially plowed, but I haven't seen a plow in more than a day since then. What happened?
Most storms are moderate enough that plows can quickly clear each street in turn. The incredible volume of snow Alexandria received this week -- approximately 30 inches, or twice our annual average -- has required a different approach. The City's first priority is to make each street accessible to emergency and utlity vehicles. This means that residential streets will likely receive very basic plowing first, and more thorough plowing later. Spending more time on some residential streets would leave others completely unplowed.
I used to live in Chicago/Buffalo/Pittsburgh, and they always did a better job responding to snow. Why can't we do better?
Alexandria typically receives 15 inches of snowfall per year, distributed across several storms during the winter months. The City's snow budget and plans are set based on this expectation, with some additional contingencies. As of Feb. 16, we had already received nearly 70 inches of snow, from five storms. In order to be able to deal with this much snowfall as quickly as some other large, northern cities can, Alexandria would have to invest millions of dollars in resources that would not be needed during a typical year. Therefore, the City must balance expectations and expenditures.
Why aren’t you using sand on my street?
Typically, the City only sands steep or hilly roadways. Sand is used for traction, not to melt snow, and is used sparingly because it can damage vehicle finishes and leave a mess on streets after the storm passes. Most streets receive salt treatment to melt snow or prevent ice accumulation, and are then plowed.
Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks?
Property owners and tenants are responsible for clearing the snow along adjacent City sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Please also help your community by clearing storm drains and fire hydrants adjacent to your home, and do not shovel snow into streets or onto sidewalks. Lend a hand to neighbors and others who may need your assistance. Keeping storm drains clear will help prevent flooding once the snow melts. Clearing streets, sidewalks, and fire hydrants is an important part of maintaining safe mobility for everyone, but is especially vital for public safety crews who are responding to emergencies.
When will the City enforce the sidewalk ordinance?
Any property owner who fails to clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends is subject to a $50 fine, plus the cost of the City having the sidewalk cleared. Complaints about compliance with the sidewalk ordinance may be made by calling 703.746.4488. City inspectors will begin responding to complaints once they have completed their initial duty of inspecting buildings and other locations for safety issues created by snow and ice falling from rooftops, loose signs, structural damage, etc.
I just cleared my car, sidewalk, and driveway, and then City crews plowed my street and snowed me in again. Why can't snow be plowed towards the center or median of the street?
Most residential streets have only one or two travel lanes, so there is not enough room to plow snow to the middle of the street. In larger storms, it may be impossible to avoid pushing snow onto the sidewalk or your driveway from the street. Please be prepared to clear driveways and sidewalks more than one time to fully clear all snow from your property. Do not shovel show into the street, or it will just be plowed back again. You can help prevent snow from piling up around your vehicles by removing them from the street before the storm, if possible. Assist our fire department by making sure you also dig out around fire hydrants. Please refrain from blocking streets or barricading parking spaces. Keeping streets clear helps Fire and EMS respond to emergencies.
How can I stay safe in the snow?
During extreme winter weather, the best way to protect your health and safety is to stay prepared and indoors as much as possible. Have the food, medicine, and other supplies on hand before a storm that you may need for up to a week. Stay off the roads – whether in a vehicle or on foot – whenever you can. If you must go outside, dress appropriately for the weather in layers. Strenuous physical activity can increase the risk of illness and injury, especially heart attacks. Know the warning signs of a heart attack. If you or someone you are with exhibits these signs, call 911 right away. To help avoid illness or injury when clearing snow, follow these guidelines. Keep in mind these tips for Food Safety After The Power Goes Out, and Roof Safety During Winter Weather.
Whom can I contact for help?
If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. For other emergencies related to the snow storm, or to report a complaint regarding compliance with the sidewalk ordinance, call 703.746.4488. Please do not call this number to ask when your street will be plowed; see the above information regarding street-clearing priorities.
Shoveling Safely
The City of Alexandria urges residents to exercise caution while cleaning up after winter storms. Strenuous physical activity can increase the risk of illness and injury, especially heart attacks.
Know the warning signs of a heart attack. If you or someone you are with exhibits these signs, call 911 right away. Do not drive to a hospital yourself. While some heart attacks are sudden and intense, many start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Watch for these signs:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath may occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.
To help avoid illness or injury when clearing snow, follow these guidelines:
- Know yourself and your limitations. If you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, talk with your doctor before shoveling. If necessary, hire someone to remove the snow.
- Shovel early and often. Newly fallen snow is lighter than heavily packed or partially melted snow. It is also important to keep a path to your door in case you need to leave in an emergency.
- Push the snow instead of lifting it. Keep the shovel close to your body, and space your hands to increase leverage. If you must lift snow, lift properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs; do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Do not hold a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched.
- Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This action requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
- Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch out for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes/boots that have slip-resistant soles.
- Snow is a powerful light reflector on sunny days. Wear sunglasses to prevent “snow blindness.”
- Pace yourself. Shoveling snow is an aerobic activity, comparable to weightlifting. Take frequent breaks from the cold and the effort, and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.
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