(Updated at 4:10 p.m.) Arlington Public Schools will open two hours late tomorrow, as today’s snow gives way to a wintry mix.
Update for Thu, Feb. 21, 2019: All APS Schools & Offices Will Open 2 Hours Late: 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.
— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) February 20, 2019
Tonight’s cold temperatures also have county officials warning drivers to stay off the roads for the foreseeable future.
Most Arlington neighborhoods saw around 3 to 4 inches of snow accumulation in all, according to the National Weather Service. Also reported: a small amount of freezing rain.
As rain and sleet continue to fall around the region, residents are still being urged to stay inside if at all possible. A quick scan of the area’s traffic cameras shows most major roads look pretty clear, though secondary streets still look a bit slushy.
Wintry mix moving in to be followed by several hours of rain as temperatures hang above freezing overnight. A second 12-hour crew is now plowing where necessary. Best to remain off the roadways until morning. #ArlWX https://t.co/JnvPU3tlvu pic.twitter.com/S18ssoDKLh
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) February 20, 2019
The NWS also has the area under a Winter Weather Advisory through 10 p.m. Details:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING…
…WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED…* WHAT…MIXED PRECIPITATION. ADDITIONAL SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF LESS THAN ONE INCH THROUGH MID AFTERNOON, THEN ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO ONE TENTH OF AN INCH THROUGH 10 PM. ALL FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED TO TRANSITION TO RAIN BY 10 PM.
* WHERE…PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
* WHEN…UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS WILL IMPACT THE EVENING COMMUTE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW, SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. EXPECT SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES, AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY.
Scattered crashes were reported around the county today, including a vehicle that slid off the northbound GW Parkway and over an embankment. One minor injury was reported.
Units on scene of vehicle over embankment on NB GW PKWY north of Spout Run. Everyone out of vehicle. Medics checking one minor injury. Expect delays in area while crews are on scene. Please take your time on the roads as they are slick. pic.twitter.com/sfzJ2LG7T3
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) February 20, 2019
The weather has prompted some scattered event cancellations tonight. Temperatures around town are expected to remain above freezing overnight.
Most restaurants and bars around the area are staying open, despite the winter weather.
Yes, we're OPEN too today despite the weather… #pizza #humpday #snowday pic.twitter.com/l11pvOXJi6
— Pupatella Pizza (@PupatellaPizza) February 20, 2019
All CIRCAs will be open today 🙌🏼! Escape the cold and come grab your favorites with us! And we’re still on for happy hour of course 🍻! https://t.co/fEHy1wz7Ya
— CIRCA Bistros (@CIRCAbistros) February 20, 2019
Yes, we are open!
— First Down Bar (@firstdownbar) February 20, 2019
UPDATE 10:55 a.m. #TeamJBMHH Road Conditions are now RED. DPW continues to plow and spread salt. The Main Exchange is now closed. The McNair Shoppette is closing at 1 p.m. The Myer Shoppette remains open. pic.twitter.com/ZJRREjbRn4
— JBM-HH (@JBMHH) February 20, 2019
Though the snow will start to melt as temperatures rise above freezing, residents may need to shovel their sidewalk later tonight or early tomorrow morning. The county’s snow ordinance requires that all private walkways be cleared by 1 p.m. tomorrow.