One For The Record Books?

(Friday) February 5, 2010

By Carla Branch and James Cullum
alexandrianews.org

People hurry into Shopper's Food Warehouse off of Jefferson Davis Highway to purchase their snow storm provisions. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

Earlier this week, weather forecasters began warning of a potentially record-breaking snow storm this weekend for the Washington metropolitan area. In Alexandria, the snow removal crews are ready, the emergency operations center is open, panicked residents have purchased every available item in local grocery stores and the snow has begun to fall.

As the snow began to fall, other shoppers went to Target and Shoppers Food Warehouse to buy last-minute items. At the Giant Food supermarket on Monroe Avenue, there were no eggs, no bread and limited fresh produce.

“Later today we are getting more eggs,” one of the store’s clerks said. “It’s been busy since yesterday. People are getting ready for the snow.”

Alexandria public school officials made the decision to close schools today late yesterday, keeping buses and children off the streets. The city government was open but libraries and recreation centers are closing early. DASH buses are still operating but riders are being warned that service may be suspended at 7:00 p.m.

Target at Potomac Yard Shopping Center had a full lot and busy morning. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

Residents are being asked to stay off the roads if they can. “As soon as we have plowable snow, we will begin to get our trucks out on the road,” said Doug McCobb, deputy director of the department of transportation and environmental services in an interview earlier this week. “We need people off the roads so that our plows can do their work.”

This will be the third snow storm in less than a week. “In that respect, it’s been an unusually difficult winter,” said Rich Baier, director of T & ES. “We are going to do the best we can and get the primary roads cleared as quickly as possible.”

Joe Schumard with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce reminded business owners to do their part to keep sidewalks clean. “It behooves each of us to do as much as we can to help clear the snow from sidewalks, fire hydrants and storm drains at our locations,” he said, and cited City regulations. “Property owners and tenants are responsible for clearing the snow along adjacent City sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends… Do not shovel snow into streets or onto sidewalks. Any property owner who fails to clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends is subject to a $50 fine, plus the cost of the City having the sidewalk cleared.”

The Records

In 1899, 34 inches of snow fell in the Washington, DC area between Feb. 13 and 15, according to the National Climatic Data Center, making it the largest single snow event on record. In January 1922, 26 inches of snow fell on the region. More recently, in February 1979, 22 inches of snow covered the area, and, many Alexandrians will remember the blizzard of 1996 when 20 inches of snow covered the City accompanied by high winds. In February, 2003, and February, 2006,   nor’easters paralyzed much of the East Coast with up to 30 inches of snow in some areas. In December 2009, 23 inches of snow blanketed the region. The Virginia Department of Transportation and the City of Alexandria have exceeded their snow removal budget for the year. Both VDOT and T & ES want to assure residents that the roads will continue to be plowed.

The National Weather Service estimates accumulations of 20 to 28 inches and near-blizzard conditions and heavy winds are expected. Be prepared for extremely limited mobility for several days.

Due to the winter weather, the City of Alexandria announces the following emergency information:

• The City of Alexandria government is operating under emergency conditions, and residents should expect reduced services.
• All recreation centers, libraries, and non-essential City facilities will be closed today through Sunday, February 7.
• All weekend activities for Alexandria City Public Schools are cancelled.
• There will be no DASH bus service on Saturday, February 6. DASH will make an announcement on Saturday evening after 7 p.m. on the status of Sunday service.
• All hypothermia and overflow shelters are operating around the clock. Alexandria shelters include the following:

Alexandria Community Shelter
2355-B Mill Rd.
703.746.3660

Carpenter’s Shelter
930 N. Henry St.
703.548.7500

For a comprehensive list of shelters in Alexandria, Arlington, and in the region, visit: http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=174

Residents who plan to use a taxi for transportation should be aware that a taxi surcharge of $5 is in effect  until further notice.

Residents are encouraged to visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm to watch an important video message from Mayor William D. Euille and read Frequently Asked Questions about the February 5-6 Storm. If you still have additional questions, contact the City Snow Hotline at 703.746.4488. To receive the latest weather-related information and snow removal information, follow the City on Twitter or Facebook, or subscribe to eNews.

For more information, contact Tony Castrilli, Director of Communications, Office of Communications, at 703.746.3958 or tony.castrilli@alexandriava.gov.

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