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Storm Of The Century!

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(Saturday) February 6, 2010

By Carla Branch

alexandrianews.org

Can you see where the tree limbs end and power lines begin? (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

The snow, which began to fall in Alexandria at around 10:00 a.m. of Feb. 5, is still falling. At 9:00 a.m. the National Weather Service reported 15 inches on the ground in Alexandria.

An old tree hangs over power lines in a Lynhaven alley. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

View of a large uprooted tree from the alley between Evans Lane and Wesmond Street in Lynhaven. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

A large evergreen was uprooted by the weight of this storm's dense snow. The tree is entangled in power lines and lies on top of two cars, burying one of them and two houses. It has also crushed a small shed. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

Roads have been plowed but are still hazardous and residents are urged to stay home.

Alexandria continues to be under a Winter Storm Warning, with accumulations of 20-30 inches possible. The heavy, wet snow has led to downed trees and power outages in the City. As of 7:50 a.m., Dominion Virginia Power reported approximately 2,028 customers with power outages in the Alexandria, out of a total of 161,000 customers. Dominion Virginia Power crews are working to restore service to customers; the City urges residents to be prepared for possible power outages.

Residents can view an updated list of outages by region for regular updates. Residential power outages should be reported to Dominion Virginia Power at (888) 667-3000, and not to the City. Downed trees that have fallen into a public roadway should be reported to the City by calling the Snow Hotline at 703 746-4488.

Residents should remember the following information:

  • Route 1 at Potomac Yard looks like a road running through a ghost town at 9:00 a.m. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

    If you observe a fallen power line, consider it live and do not approach or touch it. If the line is not marked with caution tape, cones, or barricades to indicate that crews have already assessed it, please report the fallen line by calling the City of Alexandria snow emergency hotline at 703 746-4488. Please tell the call taker whether the line is arcing (sparking), low-hanging, or on the ground. Due to the extreme weather conditions, residents are advised that there may be some delays in responding to fallen power lines.

  • Before your power goes out, place flashlights with fresh batteries throughout your home. Do not use candles, open fires or generators indoors. Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are tightly closed. Indoor heaters must have appropriate clearance and ventilation.
  • Visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov for more tips about dealing with power outages.

The Shell Station on Route 1 at Potomac Yard is one of few businesses still open. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

All public facilities are closed. Metro rail is running below ground only. Metro Bus and DASH bus services have been suspended. Both Washington Reagan National and Dulles airports are closed. Most stores in Alexandria are closed. At Potomac Yard, Shopper’s Food Warehouse is open.

Evans Lane in Lynhaven, 9:00 a.m., a resident shovels the sidewalk. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

King Street where Henry Street intersects, 9:00 a.m. (Photo: Rodger Digilio)

A cross country skier makes her way down King Street. (Photo: Rodger Digilio)

Chris Helms, a resident of Lynhaven stands 6'2". The snow depth at 9:00 a.m. rises to just over his knee height. (Photo: Regan Kireilis)

Residents are encouraged to visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm for current conditions, service updates, closings and cancellations and answers to frequently asked questions about the snow storm. For additional information, residents may contact the Snow Emergency Hotline at 703 746-4488.

Glebe Road 12:00p.m. in Arlandria. (Photo: Elliott Branch)

King Street in Old Town, 12:00 p.m. (Photo: Rodger Digilio)