(Updated at 5:20 p.m.) A significant snowfall blanketed Arlington today, transforming the county into a picturesque winter scene.
Residents across the area experienced a mix of disruptions and delightful winter activities as the snow, which began in the early morning, continued steadily throughout the day on Friday.
(Updated at 11:55 a.m.) Light freezing drizzle and snow is falling now, but a change this afternoon may bring new hazards.
The wintry precipitation is expected to taper off around noon, just as temperatures start dropping and the wind picks up.
The snow falling in Arlington is providing a wintry ambiance — but little accumulation to speak of so far.
That may change tonight as temperatures fall and roads are expected to become more slippery. Many seem to be heeding calls to stay at home, however, with only light traffic reported on Arlington’s primary routes and highways as of 6 p.m.
Update at 5:45 p.m. — After a period of heavy snow, the transition to sleet and freezing rain is underway, potentially making travel even more hazardous.
There have been several reports of crashes around Arlington, including a crash that felled a county light pole and closed southbound George Mason Drive near S. Frederick Street. There are also reports of disabled vehicles partially blocking traffic, including a Mercedes reportedly stuck on Route 50 at Fillmore Street.
A snow removal truck on Washington Blvd in Clarendon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
If you didn’t already know, the brine lines on the roadways have told you by now: Arlington will likely see snow this weekend.
Update at 12:45 p.m. — Roughly half or more of Arlington’s neighborhood streets have been cleared, according to the county’s snow removal map. ART bus routes are returning to normal service levels.
From Arlington Transit: "Due to improving road conditions, all ART routes will operate normal weekday service this afternoon and evening."
It’s been tough sledding, so to speak, for Arlington snow crews this week.
With the help of some milder temperatures, crews have nearly completed their snow removal effort following Monday’s winter storm. But with another storm looming tonight, threatening another 2-4 inches of snow, there will not be time to rest.
County Covid Testing Booth Still Closed — From Arlington County: “The @curative #COVID19 testing kiosk at Arlington Mill Community Center will be closed tomorrow, Jan 6, due to COVID-related staffing shortages. The kiosks at Court House Plaza and Virginia Highlands Park are scheduled to open at 9 AM. Thank you for your flexibility.” [Twitter]
APS Orders Tests for All Students, Staff — “We have ordered a supply of KN95 masks, particulate filters for an APS provided mask, and at-home rapid antigen test kits for every staff member and student. Supplies for these items are limited but we anticipate them soon and will send additional communication when available.” [Arlington Public Schools]
For the third day in a row, Arlington Public Schools students — and those that follow APS closures, like local preschools — will get another snow day.
The school system announced the closure shortly after 5 p.m., with the possibility of freezing rain in the forecast and with many neighborhood streets still covered in snow and ice.
If you have a sidewalk on your property, you now have less than 12 hours to clear away the snow and ice from it.
Arlington’s snow removal ordinance, approved in 2010, gives owners 36 hours to shovel public sidewalks adjacent to their property after a storm with more than six inches of snow accumulation.
(Updated at 10 a.m.) A frigid night is on tap and the refreezing of melting snow could make roads and sidewalks extra slippery.
The National Weather Service on Monday issued a Special Weather Statement about the ice concerns overnight:
