Sleet is Falling, But It’s a Snow Day for Arlington Students

(Updated at 9 a.m.) What was supposed to be snow is actually falling as sleet this morning, but the change in precipitation is not dampening the jubilation of local students, who now have the day off.

Arlington Public Schools announced shortly after 5 a.m. that it’s a snow day, even for remote learning.

“In-person and distance learning are canceled for all students today, Thursday, Feb. 18, due to inclement weather,” the school system said. “APS school buildings and offices will be closed… All in-person learning support programs, athletic activities, team practices, in-person technology support and other activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled.”

Via social media, APS explained that it was following the lead of the federal government, which is also closed today, and taking into account the forecast for more sleet and freezing rain as the day goes on.

We updated our status due to the weather forecast and in reviewing the federal government closure as well as the full closure status of neighboring divisions. With freezing rain and sleet in the forecast, there is increased likelihood for power outages and other disruptions.

— Arlington Public Schools (@APSVirginia) February 18, 2021

According to the officials National Weather Service measurement at Reagan National Airport, 0.3 inches of snow has fallen so far this morning.

Across the county, most main roads are mostly slushy, thanks to the efforts of snow clearing crews. Many side roads have not been treated and are treacherous. Residents are being urged to stay home or exercise extreme caution if driving today.

“Yet, again, Virginia State Police is encouraging folks to hold off on traveling until conditions improve,” state police said last night.

A number of crashes have been reported this morning, including one that closed a portion of Carlin Springs Road at N. Galveston Street after a car reportedly spun off the roadway and crashed, injuring the driver.

Dominion Energy says it is prepared to respond to power outages in Northern Virginia, should freezing rain cause trees and branches to fall and power lines to be knocked out.

Arlington County government facilities, meanwhile, are closed, though the local government is still operating on a virtual basis. Arlington County’s trash and recycling service is not running today, and will instead be delayed a day and will resume Friday, with Thursday’s routes.

Buses, including ART and Metro buses, are operating on modified schedules.

ART will operate *Severe* service on Thursday, February 18 due to predicted inclement weather and unsafe road conditions. Routes 41, 51, 55, 72, 77, and 87 will operate with detours and possible delays. All other ART routes will not operate. https://t.co/NSDhHN3wXY

— ART Alert (@ART_Alert) February 18, 2021

Metrobus Alert Impacting All Routes: On Thurs, 2/18, buses will begin operating on moderate service plan. Buses may detour. Learn more: https://t.co/fcicAFP6Hh

— Metrobus Info (@Metrobusinfo) February 17, 2021

As of 8:25 a.m., sleet was continuing to fall, with some freezing rain mixing in. The frozen precipitation is expected to continue through Friday morning.

820a: sleet and freezing rain mostly falling in immediate area with more snow into Loudoun and Frederick counties. Follow our updates here: https://t.co/wV4igW2WcH pic.twitter.com/a8oexdKbPL

— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) February 18, 2021

9a: Sleet increasing in coverage and intensity. Expect deteriorating conditions next couple hours with slick roads and reduced visibility at times. Follow our updates here: https://t.co/wV4igWkx4f pic.twitter.com/InFgSVjgiq

— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) February 18, 2021