At least one day of trash collection has been canceled in Arlington as authorities are urging residents to prepare and stay off the roads during this weekend’s snowstorm.
Curbside collection and brush pick-up will not take place on Monday, and no make-up runs will happen later in the week, Arlington’s Department of Environmental Services announced today (Friday). Residents are advised to check the county website for any further updates about pick-up on Tuesday and beyond.
If at all possible, drivers are encouraged to get their vehicles off the street before the storm hits on Saturday evening — and stay put during the storm.
The winter storm is expected to bring an 7-14 inches of snow and sleet along with possible freezing rain and ice.
“The most important thing you can do? Stay off the roads,” Arlington County said in an advisory this afternoon. “Get where you need to be before the weather gets bad, and once the storm starts, only drive if you absolutely must — this helps our crews be efficient in plowing operations and minimizes safety risks.”
The National Weather Service is encouraging people to stock up on emergency water and non-perishable food, and to have a flashlight with extra batteries, along with a first-aid kit and extras of any needed medicines, prescriptions or baby items.
Make sure any generator or propane heater is outside and well-ventilated to limit the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities say. Check smoke detectors and have a fire extinguisher ready, the National Weather Service advises.
People who own personal vehicles should top them off with gasoline or a full charge, have car batteries, oil, antifreeze, wipers and tires checked, and carry a “winter storm survival kit” with essentials if they absolutely have to travel.
More advice for Arlington residents, from the county, is below.
- Move cars from the street prior to a storm, if possible, as plowing around vehicles on narrow roadways is extremely difficult. If you can’t remove vehicles from the street, coordinate with neighbors to park only on one side where feasible.
- Don’t park “head in” on cul-de-sacs, to give plows more room to maneuver. (More tips for those living on narrow roads or on cul-de-sacs.)
- Be Salt Smart. Apply only the recommended minimum of chemical deicers on sidewalks, walkways and driveways. And keep in mind these three easy steps.
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors. You can volunteer to help! Reach out to your civic association to find out how you can help assist elderly neighbors or neighbors with disabilities, and facilitate winter weather preparedness.
- Clear snow from sidewalks, fire hydrants, storm drains and catch basins away from the street. But wait for plows to come before clearing snow from the front of driveways, to minimize the amount pushed back.
- Pro-tip: Shovel early and often to avoid build-up.
What’s closed for the snowstorm
Some of the first weather cancellations were announced today, with more expected to come as the storm approaches.
All Arlington County Parks and Recreation facilities will close at 5 p.m. on Saturday and will remain closed all day on Sunday. Cancellations include:
- Skate Night at Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center
- Teen Takeover at Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center
- DPR Winter House Basketball League games
- DPR Youth Winter Indoor Soccer League
Arlington National Cemetery will close to visitors beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday and will remain closed all day on Sunday and Monday.
Marymount University will be closed on Sunday and will operate fully remotely on Monday. George Mason University will close at 10 p.m. on Saturday and remain closed Sunday.
Arlington libraries will be closed on Sunday, but will operate with standard hours on Saturday.
Arlington Transit has warned passengers that “delays are expected” during the storm. Metro can operate rail service at “very close to normal schedule” after 4 to 6 inches of snow, but may begin closing service at above-ground locations after 8 inches of snowfall.
What to do during a power outage
Dominion Energy has warned of possible widespread power outages during the storm, especially if large amounts of sleet and freezing rain accumulate. During a blackout, Aisha Mbowe, spokesperson for Arlington Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, offered the following advice.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
- If you use a generator, ONLY use it outdoors and away from windows.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
- When County community centers and libraries are open, go to a community location with power if cold is extreme and you can’t heat your home.
Making sure you have plenty of extra blankets for your family, in the event of an extended power outage during frigid conditions with impassable roads, may also be a good idea.
What to do if you don’t have shelter
People in need of shelter in Arlington call 703‑228‑1010 at any time, or go to Homeless Services at 2020A 14th Street N. The county has additional overflow capacity that can be activated, based on conditions and demand.
“Shelter day programs will remain open during the storm, providing access to hygiene facilities, warm meals, and other essential services,” Destiny Esper, spokesperson for Arlington County’s Department of Human Services, told ARLnow. “County street outreach teams will continue to be deployed, as conditions allow, engaging unsheltered residents and connecting them to shelter and support.”
