Limited Evening Travel Urged, Shelter Open In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Ahead of potentially hazardous weather Tuesday evening, the city urges drivers to limit travel during the evening rush hour and says the winter homeless shelter is open.

Alexandria is under a winter weather advisory from 3 p.m. to midnight Tuesday. Forecasters expect light snow and rain to develop around 2 p.m. and a "steadier snow" between 2 p.m.-4 p.m. through 7 p.m.-9 p.m. An accumulation around 1 inch is anticipated.

While snowfall should be minimal, temperatures dropping below freezing in the evening could make untreated roads or sidewalks hazardous. Slushy or wet surfaces are expected to freeze.

The city urges drivers to avoid travel during the evening when possible, as heavy traffic and slippery road conditions could cause significant delays. Since forecasters expect rain to begin before snow, the city cautions that road treatments will not work if roads freeze.

Residents are asked to limit time outdoors. If you or someone you know needs shelter, the Alexandria Winter Shelter Collaborative is available Carpenter's Shelter (5701-D Duke Street, in the former Landmark Mall). Due to the winter weather, the shelter is open Jan. 29-Feb. 2.

See the Homeless Services website for operating status and the shelter shuttle pick-up times and locations. If you see someone in need of shelter, call 703-746-4444.

Tips for the hazardous weather

• Stay off the roads if possible. If you must travel, allow extra time and use public transit. Consider leaving work early or staying in the area rather than joining the evening rush hour.
• If you choose to drive, ensure you have a full tank of gas and emergency road supplies in case you become stranded.
• If you must be outdoors, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Make sure your outer layer is tightly woven and windproof. Wool clothing keeps you warmer than cotton when it is damp and wet.
• Clothing should include sweaters, boots, hats, gloves and scarves. Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to prevent losing body heat.
• Bring pets indoors. If they cannot come inside your home, make sure they have enough shelter to keep warm and that they have access to unfrozen water.
• Use caution when operating space heaters or fireplaces, and never leave them unattended by adults. Before leaving the room or going to bed, turn space heaters off and make sure fireplace embers are out. Space heaters should only be used on level, hard surfaces and kept at least three feet away from flammable items like paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs.
• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• To keep your pipes from freezing, run a continuous trickle of water. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing.
• Check on neighbors who are elderly or have special needs.

Resources to know

• The National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington office issues watches, warnings and advisories.
• Report power outages to Dominion Virginia Power at 866-DOM-HELP (866-366-4357) or dom.com.
• To report a water main break or for questions about water service, contact Virginia American Water at 800-452-6863.
• Alexandria City Public Schools will close two hours early on Tuesday. Any future operating status updates will be shared at acps.k12.va.us.
• To see real-time traffic conditions around the state, visit VDOT's 511virginia.org.
• Stay up to date on city closings and other updates with E-News alerts.

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