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UPDATED: Arlington Preps for Snow as Winter Storm Warning Issued

By ARLnow.com

Update on 1/12/19 — Arlington is now under a Winter Storm Warning.

Earlier: Arlington County is under a Winter Weather Advisory starting Saturday afternoon.

Preparations are underway for the snow — 3-5 inches are expected — with county and VDOT crews pre-treating roads and gearing up for snow removal operations once the flakes start falling. Most of the immediate D.C. area is under the advisory, while points south are under winter storm watches and warnings.

More from the National Weather Service:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST SUNDAY… * WHAT…SNOW EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES EXPECTED. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PORTIONS CENTRAL AND NORTH CENTRAL MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST SUNDAY. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. EXPECT SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES, AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1. &&

Arlington’s emergency management office sent out an alert Friday afternoon, urging residents to stock necessary items early and prepare for difficult travel.

Do not wait to prepare! Grocery stores are known to run out of key items quickly. Have enough food and water for your entire family, including pets, to last for the weekend. Be prepared in case the power goes out.  Find more preparedness info at ReadyArlington.com.

Winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For info on the snow removal process, visit the Department of Environmental Services website at https://emergency. arlingtonva.us/weather/snow-ice/snow-removal-phases/.

Login at ArlingtonAlert.com ensure your information in your Arlington Alert profile is correct. For up to date information, follow Ready Arlington on Facebook and Twitter.

As always, only call or text 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. For any non-emergency Police or Fire issues, dial 703-558-2222.

VDOT and other local officials are asking drivers to stay off snow-covered roads if at all possible, limiting trips to essential travel only. From VDOT:

Northern Virginia road crews are preparing for the first snow of 2019. VDOT asks that drivers plan travel around impending weather and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

What’s Happening Now

  • The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the southern and western portions of our district, and a Winter Weather Advisory for the central and northern portions.
  • Crews pretreated roads throughout Northern Virginia on Thursday and Friday.
  • On Saturday afternoon, plow trucks will stage along roadways.
  • Follow us on Twitter @vadotnova for updates from the field.

VDOT Asks Drivers and Residents to:

  • Monitor weather closely, as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.
  • Plan ahead to avoid driving during the storm and after until conditions have improved. Freezing temperatures are expected through the weekend.
  • Park in driveways or on the same side of the street to allow plows room to pass.
  • If you absolutely must drive, know the conditions, drive for the conditions and give plows plenty of room. Ensure enough gas, wiper fluid, proper tires, medication, and an emergency car kit.

More via Twitter: