Alexandria Urges Preparedness For Winter Weather

ALEXANDRIA, VA—As winter rolls around and chances of snowstorms become more likely, the City of Alexandria is urging residents to be ready. We got a trial run when the first snowfall took us by surprise in mid-November. The next potential storm could come Sunday night, but it's too early for forecasters to determine the storm's track.

City staff are in the midst of months of planning, preparation and training for the winter weather season. At the same time, it doesn't hurt for residents to have a refresher on their responsibilities and resources available during winter storms.

Here are some answers to commonly-asked questions about winter weather in Alexandria:

1. What is the city responsible for clearing during winter storms?

City crews clear snow from more than 560 lane miles of roadway, 20 miles of City-owned walkways and trails, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots or City-owned squares.

2. Does the response vary by precipitation type and accumulation?

Yes, the city classifies storms by precipitation type and accumulation from Level 1 (least severe) to Level 3 (most severe). Here's an explanation of each and how the city responds:

Level 1: Up to eight inches of snow or winter weather conditions

City snow removal crews will work first to make snow-covered roads and sidewalks passable and ensure schools are accessible. Roadways and/or sidewalks may not be completely clear for three days.

Level 2: More than eight inches of snow, freezing rain with ice accumulation, or a combination of ice and snow

City snow removal crews will work first to make snow covered roads passable for emergency and public utility vehicles and aim at bringing road conditions to Level 1. Crews will then return to make roads passable, plowing them clear within five days following the storm. Weather conditions may delay available resources and response times. Drivers are advised to limit their travel to emergency trips, as road conditions are considered hazardous.

Level 3: Significant snow accumulations, ice, or blizzard conditions.

Roads are closed to non-emergency vehicles. Roads will be made passable for emergency vehicles only, and snow removal operations will continue around the clock with the goal of bringing roadway conditions to Level 2

3. In what order do streets get plowed?

City crews make primary routes the first priority, followed by secondary routes and intermediate routes. See a map of primary, secondary and intermediate routes.

• Primary Routes: major streets and snow emergency routes and roads near schools and hospitals
• Secondary Routes: local and neighborhood streets and most Metro and DASH bus routes
• Intermediate Routes: streets requiring special attention in snowy conditions (such as steep hills) that are not currently classified as primary or secondary routes.

4. What are residents' responsibilities during storms?

Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks at their residences. "Failure to clear sidewalks may result in the City having the work done and charging the cost to the property owner, or fining the property owner $50," the city's website states.

In addition, residents can help by:

• Clearing ice, snow and leaves from around fire hydrants and storm drains
• Not shoveling snow onto the sidewalks or streets
• Parking cars off the street when possible
• Checking on neighbors needing assistance
• Keeping shovels, and salt or sand handy
• Having an emergency plan and kit ready

5. Where are the parking restrictions during a snow emergency?

If the city declares a snow emergency, cars parked on snow emergency routes should be moved.

The city's snow emergency routes include:

• King Street from Union Street to the western city limit
• Washington Street from city limit to city limit
• Duke Street from Washington Street to the western city limit
• U.S. Route 1 from city limit to city limit
• Braddock Road from North West Street to Beauregard Street
• Howard Street from Braddock Road to Jordan Street
• Jordan Street from Duke Street to Howard Street
• Eisenhower Avenue from Holland Lane to Van Dorn Street

6. How do I stay informed during a winter storm?

Sign up for Alexandria e-alerts or check www.alexandriava.gov, Facebook and Twitter for closings and other updates. Alexandria City Public School closings are posted at www.acps.k12.va.us or communicated by telephone or the city's e-alerts.

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