City officials continue to monitor and prepare for winter weather forecasted for today, Sunday, Jan. 19. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Alexandria region until 7 p.m. this evening.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has decreased expected snow totals, now anticipating closer to 1 inch of accumulation rather than the higher range initially expected. This adjustment is due to the later-than-expected arrival of the arctic front, which may bring more rain or a rain/snow mix before transitioning to snow later today.

Additionally, temperatures will fall into the teens this evening, freezing moisture on the roadways. Use caution if traveling.

As temperatures drop, please remember ice on lakes, ponds, and streams can be extremely dangerous. Thin ice is hard to see and can give way without warning. For your safety, avoid walking, skating, or doing any activities on frozen bodies of water across the city.

Stay safe, and help keep others safe by sharing this reminder. If you see someone on thin ice, encourage them to get off immediately.

How the City is Responding

City teams have conducted de-icing and pre-treatment across the city as of yesterday and are mobilized in advance of today’s expected snowfall. 

The City prioritizes snow clearance by plowing primary roads (including snow emergency routes), followed by secondary routes (including hills), intermediate routes, and then residential streets.

To keep track of snow removal status, visit the City’s live Snow Report.

Seasonal Winter Shelter

Due to weather conditions and extreme temperatures, the Winter Shelter (2355-A Mill Rd.) will remain open 24/7 starting Sunday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. through Thursday, Jan. 23 at noon. Warming center information is available to the public on the City’s Winter Shelter page.

Sunday Closures

Due to the weather conditions, the following closures are in effect today (Sunday, January 19):

• All Recreation Center Facilities will be closed
• Torpedo Factory Art Center will be closed
• All Alexandria Libraries will be closed
• All City Museums will be closed

Snow Buddy Program

Alexandria’s Snow Buddy program, administered by Volunteer Alexandria, matches volunteers willing to remove snow and treat sidewalks with eligible residents who are unable to do it themselves. For more information about the program, including how to become a Snow Buddy and how to request assistance, visit volunteeralexandria.org/snow, email EmergencyResponse@volunteeralexandria.org, or call 703-836-2176.

Stay Informed

Follow local media and the National Weather Service winter weather website for information on weather conditions and forecasts.

For information on emergency warming centers, visit the City’s Seasonal and Emergency Warming and Cooling Options webpage.

For information on snow and ice control, visit alexandriava.gov/Snow.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact Ebony Fleming at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3965, Virginia Relay 711.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.