School Delayed, Some Morning Events Cancelled Due to Slippery Conditions

Arlington Public Schools is opening on a two-hour delay due to icy conditions in many part of the county this morning.

Sleet and frozen rain caused few problems in Arlington during the day, but untreated sidewalks and other surfaces turned icy at night as the sun set and temperatures dropped to be below freezing.

APS made the decision to open on a two hour delay earlier this morning. From APS:

All APS schools and offices will open two hours late today. The Extended Day program will also open two hours late and morning field trips are canceled. Essential employees and food service workers should report to work at their regularly scheduled time. All other employees should report to work two hours past their usual start time.

A number of other Arlington County programs and events have been either delayed or canceled. Among them:

• All congregate meal programs are cancelled.
• All Early Childhood Programs (Preschool and Co-ops) will open on time.
• All Enjoy Arlington classes, 55+ classes, trips, nature center programs and sports league activities scheduled to start prior to 11:59 a.m. will be cancelled in all buildings.
• All Enjoy Arlington classes, 55+ classes, trips, nature center programs and sports league activities with scheduled start times of NOON or later will proceed as scheduled.
• All evening Enjoy Arlington classes, sports league activities and nature center programs will proceed as scheduled.
• All standalone Community Centers including: Madison, Lee, Fairlington, Barcroft Sport and Fitness Center, Lubber Run, Walter Reed, and Arlington Mill will open for regularly scheduled operating hours.
• Thomas Jefferson, Langston, and Carver Community Centers will open at 10 a.m. Drew, and Gunston will open for their normal operating hours.
• APS Pools are on a two hour delayed opening.

Many roads and sidewalks around Arlington and the D.C. area remain slick as temperatures climb back above freezing. Authorities are urging those who do have to drive to be extra cautious, while those who can delay their trips should.

GM! Crews have continued to treat roads with salt & sand but icy patches exist after last night's refreeze. If you can't delay your trip, pls take things very slow and assume anything that looks wet is icy. Also, visibility is a concern in some areas due to fog. Pls be safe!

— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) January 9, 2018

7:44a: Temps are below freezing, there is freezing fog in DC area – sidewalks and untreated surfaces are ICY and hazardous. Please use EXTREME caution. May take a couple hours at least for situation to improve, maybe midday or so in colder areas. Forecast: https://t.co/iwXLAsgrxy pic.twitter.com/pyEvoRxDW8

— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) January 9, 2018

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for the region, as parts of the area are covered in a thick, frozen fog.

… DENSE FOG ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM EST THIS MORNING… * VISIBILITIES… ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES. * IMPACTS… GREATLY REDUCED VISIBILITIES MAKING TRAVEL DIFFICULT. TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING MAY CAUSE A GLAZE OF ICE ON ANY UNTREATED SURFACE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILITIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE. IF DRIVING, SLOW DOWN, USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS, AND LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD OF YOU. &&

In a semi-weather-related closure, the main ramp to Reagan National Airport from the GW Parkway is currently closed due to a water main break. Officials say anyone driving to the airport should use the second ramp, about a half mile down the parkway, or the entrance from Route 1 in Crystal City.

Main airport entrance ramp from southbound @NPSGWMP (Parkway) CLOSED due to water main break. Use second Parkway ramp as detour, or enter via Route 1 in Crystal City. #FlyReagan is open with normal operations. pic.twitter.com/XBkWmzD7tC

— Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) January 9, 2018

File photo