[Archived] City of Alexandria Prepares for Winter Weather

Governor Robert F. McDonnell has proclaimed December 1-7 as Winter Preparedness Week in Virginia. As the winter season approaches, emergency responsiveness, including snow and ice removal, are a top priority and core service for the City. During the winter months, City staff track potential storms 24 hours a day, and on-call City crews and contractors are available to begin working in a moment’s notice.   

Winter weather preparation takes extensive planning and training.  City staff ensures that equipment is ready and supplies are stocked months in advance.  Each year, the City holds a Snow Rodeo where employees practice using winter weather equipment.  This training allows employees to demonstrate and refine the skills needed during snow removal and operations management. 

“One of the most important ways residents can help during inclement weather is by staying off the roads and not parking on snow emergency routes,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille.   

Clearing streets and sidewalks takes time, hard work, and good communication between residents, business owners, and the City. Alexandria clears snow from over 560 lane miles of roadway, 20 miles of City-owned walkways and trails, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots or City-owned squares.  Use the City’s SnowReport tracking system to check on plowing priorities, the status of your street, or to submit a concern. 

Did you know? 

• In Alexandria, storm levels are based on type and severity of storm. Level 1 (least severe) to level 3 (most severe).  Storm levels are updated on the City’s website as the weather changes. 
• Roads are plowed by priority.  First, the snow emergency routes, followed by secondary routes then residential streets. 
• Clearing sidewalks, driveways, and entrances are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, occupant, community association, or business. Time limits are determined by the level: Level 1 – 24 hours, Level 2 = 48 hours, Level 3 =72 hours. 
• You can help! Clear ice, snow, and leaves from around fire hydrants and storm drains, and avoid shoveling snow into the street.   

What to do? 

• Stay off the roads in the event of snow or ice 
• Don’t park on snow emergency routes 
• Keep shovels, salt or sand handy  

For more information about how to get ready for winter emergencies and the City’s efforts to prepare for winter weather visit alexandriava.gov/Snow, sign up for the City’s eNews service, or connect online at alexandriava.gov/SocialMedia.