News

Flights canceled, plows activated as snow piles up in Arlington

By Dan Egitto
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Snow is continuing to heap up in Arlington, bringing a flurry of closures and changes — as well as dangers for anyone caught out in the storm.

The county has activated its fleet of fancifully named snowplows, with a total of 70 currently available, county spokesperson Katie O’Brien told ARLnow. They cleared about 30% of residential streets on their first pass this morning, and the county expects to continue operations throughout the day and into tomorrow.

The county had recorded around 7 inches of snow as of 1:40 p.m. in Shirlington. A live map of the plows’ progress is available online.

There’s no word yet on whether tomorrow will be another snow day at Arlington Public Schools, but the school system expects to reach a decision by 6 p.m., spokesperson Frank Bellavia told ARLnow.

Falls Church City Public Schools announced at 1 p.m. that schools in the Little City will remain closed tomorrow.

The snow is also taking a toll at Reagan National Airport, which announced this morning that “many flights have been canceled” due to the weather.

“Check with your airline for your flight status and don’t come to the airport unless you have a confirmed flight,” the airport said on X.

Authorities continue to urge people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Virginia State Police responded to 33 crashes in Northern Virginia between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m. today, three of which had reported injuries.

If you must travel by car, the agency offers the following guidance.

  • Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
  • Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
  • Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
  • Buckle Up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
  • Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
  • Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.

Public transit options, meanwhile, remain limited.

Arlington Transit has suspended service until further notice, and Virginia Railway Express isn’t operating today due to federal offices closing. Metrorail services are continuing to operate as normal, but people are still advised “to stay home and only travel if necessary.”

Numerous businesses and services have closed around Arlington due to the weather, although some are offering snowed-in specials and entertainment.

Finally, as the county government attempts “to keep resources focused on snow recovery efforts,” the Arlington County Board’s organizational meeting for 2025 — originally scheduled to take place today — has been postponed to tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2:30 p.m.

Several notable decisions are slated to happen at this now all-virtual meeting. They include the election of a new chair and vice-chair for the Board, the adoption of revised meeting procedures and a meeting schedule, and appointments of advisory groups and commissions.

About the Author

  • Dan Egitto is an editor and reporter at ARLnow. Originally from Central Florida, he graduated from Duke University and previously reported at the Palatka Daily News in Florida and the Vallejo Times-Herald in California. Dan joined ARLnow in January 2024.