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Say It Ain’t Snow !

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(Monday) February 8, 2010

45 Inches And Counting

Staff Report

alexandrianews.org

Alexandria digs out before next storm (Photo: Jim Boissonnault)

The National Weather Service has just upgraded the Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning, predicting 10 to 20 additional inches of snow for the Washington, DC metropolitan area. More snow to come and Alexandria crews have cleared only the City’s main roads.

The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from noon on Tuesday, Feb. 9, until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10. On Tuesday, Feb. 9 Alexandria City Government offices and facilities and Alexandria City Public Schools will be closed. Both City and Schools operations may close on Wednesday, depending on storm conditions. A determination will be made and announced on Tuesday.

While most main roads are slush-covered, most secondary roads in the City are covered with snow and ice and are treacherous without a four-wheel-drive vehicle. In many areas, sidewalks have not been shoveled and are covered with mounds of snow. The sidewalks around schools, libraries and recreation centers have not yet been cleared.

Many stores reopened today just in time for people to purchase additional ice melt and shovels. Even though some roads are plowed, city officials are asking residents to stay off the roads unless it is essential. Snow removal crews must be allowed to clear as many streets as they can before the next onslaught.

City continues cleanup (Photo: Jim Boissonnault)

“Our crews are exhausted but we’re getting a lot of help,” said Tony Castrilli, the director of communications for the City. “We have members of the Virginia National Guard and crews from Buffalo here to help. The Virginia National Guard has equipment to provide dialysis in an emergency.

“We had to send two of our trucks to Baltimore to get more salt and that vendor has now limited salt sales. We are looking to other salt vendors just in case we need it,” Castrilli said.

Alexandria remains under a State of Emergency due to the February 5-6 storm, and the City’s top priority is ensuring emergency vehicle and public utility access to all City streets.

Getting around on foot remains hazardous. (Photo: Jim Boissonnault)

As of February 8, crews have provided emergency vehicle access to many City streets, and this will continue to remain our priority. Many residential streets remain impassable and very hazardous to navigate. With more snow in the forecast, it will be several days before residential streets improve. Residents may use Alexandria’s SnowReport system to report primary and secondary streets that need attention.

Residents should be aware of many ongoing weather-related problems, such as falling snow and ice from home and building rooftops, potential rooftop collapses from heavy snow, and more possible power outages.

To receive the latest weather-related information, follow the City on Twitter or Facebook, or subscribe to eNews alerts at alexandriava.gov/eNews.

George Washington Birthday Celebration Events Canceled

Due to the snow emergency, the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee announces the cancellation of all major outdoor events scheduled for February 13-15. This cancellation includes the the George Washington Birthday Parade, “George Washington Classic” 10-K Race and several other related events.  The Birthnight Banquet and Ball will be held as scheduled on Saturday, February 13, at Gadsby’s Tavern. The Committee will also announce the winners of the “Cherry Challenge” on Monday, February 15.  For more information, visit www.washingtonbirthday.net .

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