The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire area beginning the afternoon of Saturday, January 24, through Sunday, January 25. Plowable snow and significant icing (especially south of I-66/US-50) can be expected. Find the latest road conditions by calling 511.

The NWS has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the City of Alexandria, in effect from 8 p.m. Friday, January 23 through 10 a.m. Saturday, January 24. Very cold wind chills of zero to 10 below are expected during this timeframe. 

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The National Weather Service has advised that severe winter weather conditions are possible, including heavy snow, freezing rain dangerous cold. Residents are advised to keep their radio or television tuned to local media to stay informed of current weather conditions and forecasts.

Preparations for severe winter weather should include: 

• Change plans so you don’t need to travel during or immediately after the storm
• Emergency water and non-perishable food
• Have a flashlight with extra batteries
• Make sure any generator or propane heater is outside and well-ventilated to limit the risk of carbon 
  monoxide poisoning. Follow manufacturer's instructions
• Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it. Make sure your smoke detectors are operating by testing 
  them regularly
• First aid kit, plus extras of any needed medicines, prescriptions, or baby items.

Residents are also advised to avoid driving in severe winter conditions. If you must use your car:

• Make sure the car is adequately fueled and you have a charged cell phone with you.
• Get your car winterized and have your battery, antifreeze, oil, wipers, and tires checked.
• Carry a winter storm survival kit, including
  • blankets
  • a change of clothes
  • high calorie food
  • additional items such as a shovel, flashlight and batteries, ice scraper and brush, tow rope, booster cables, waterproof matches, and drinking water.

Visit alexandriava.gov/Snow for more information about winter emergency preparedness & safety tips. Be sure to stay informed: subscribe to eNews to receive weather updates and more information from the City of Alexandria.  

The National Weather Service has advised that extreme cold weather conditions are possible. Residents should prepare now for the dangers of extreme cold.

Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Supplies can include a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, local maps, and hygiene needs. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication and access to power. If you have a pet, be sure to provide them access to a warm shelter, preferably indoors, as well as plenty of food and water.

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Keep pipes from freezing by allowing faucet to drip, keeping cabinet doors open, and garage doors closed.

Sign up for eNews to receive weather alerts and emergency information should weather turn severe.

Learn more about a family emergency plan and preparedness kit at ready.gov/plan.

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) 2355-A Mill Rd Winter Shelter operates daily from 7 p.m.to 7 a.m.

Due to inclement weather, the City of Alexandria Winter Shelter will extend its hours of operation from 7 p.m. on saturday, January 24, until 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28.

Warming centers are offered at the following recreation centers. Visit the Recreation Centers page for full business hours.

Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.)

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Ave.)

Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.)

Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)

William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) 

In addition, the following Alexandria Library branches are open during the following hours for warming needs during cold weather:

• Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke St.) 

• Parking: The library has a large parking lot with 175 spaces.
  • Metrorail: King Street Station (Yellow & Blue Lines 3.2 miles); Van Dorn Station (Blue Line 2.1 miles)
  • Metrobus: F23, F24, A28
  • DASH Bus: 30, 32

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.) 

• Parking: No library parking lot.  Street parking is available.  A paid parking lot is available on the 100 block of North Alfred Street.
  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1 mile) and King Street Stations (1.1 miles).
  • Metrobus: A11, A12, F19
  • DASH Bus: 30, 31, Old Town Circulator
  • King Street Trolley: King & Columbus

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Rd.)

• Parking: There is a library parking lot available.
  • Metrorail: King Street Station
  • Metrobus: F20
  • DASH Bus: 36A, 36B, 102

James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Ave.)

• Parking: There is a small lot with 9 spaces.  On street parking is available.
  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1.3 miles) and King Street Stations (1.5 miles)
  • Metrobus:  A11, A12
  • DASH Bus: 33

Alex311 is the City of Alexandria’s customer service initiative to connect our customers to more than 175 City services in a variety of convenient ways. Connect with Alex311 online, through the mobile app, on Facebook and Twitter, by phone, or in person.

Alex311 Call Center  

During regular Hours: M – F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.:

• In the event of inclement weather, please call 703.746.4444 or utilize @AlexandriaVA311 to report non-emergency concerns. For immediate emergency assistance, call 911.  For non-emergency City Services, call 703.746.4311. 

After Hours: 

• We encourage residents to continue to submit non-life-threatening safety concerns overnight by calling 703.746.4444. For immediate emergency assistance, call 911.
• In the event of weather-related damage, report blocked roadways by calling 703.746.4444. 

Alex311 Website  

Available 24/7, you can submit and track requests for a faster response!  

Alex311 Mobile App  

Available 24/7, you can install the Alex311 mobile app to submit and track requests on the go.  

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.