Arlington’s snowplows have progressed through about three-quarters of the county’s residential roadways, though frigid temperatures after the heavy snowfall continue to pose challenges.
County Manager Mark Schwartz asked for residents’ patience and understanding as the county continues to plow streets, noting the unusual difficulties crews are facing.
“The storm we just had was truly exceptional, and its impacts are really going to be felt for a long time, potentially weeks,” Schwartz warned at a remote County Board meeting this afternoon.
The county manager said he has suspended Arlington’s snow removal ordinance to give residents more time to clear icy sidewalks. However, he said he still expects people “to try, to the extent that they can, to ensure safe passage [and] access for jobs and schools and services.”
“Do what you can to keep our sidewalks safe, accessible and welcoming, and as the weather improves, I will come back and probably un-suspend the snow removal ordinance,” Schwartz said. “We’re not near that point right now.”
The county moved into Phase 3 of its snow removal efforts this morning (Tuesday), turning to residential streets after having completed a first pass along primary routes in Phase 2.
“Our crews are continuing to work through the impacts of the approximately 9 inches of snow we received and the freezing conditions from this event, which [have] made clearing roadways difficult,” Arlington Dept. of Environmental Services spokesperson Katie O’Brien told ARLnow. “We don’t have an estimate of when we will be completed with Phase 3 at this time.”
She noted that while plows had taken a pass at about 75% of residential streets as of this morning, many roads haven’t been cleared to bare pavement and may only be passable with one lane.
Crews have also been hauling snow out of commercial corridors where snowdrifts have piled up, which can pose a challenge in tight rights-of-way.
Some of this is being transferred to the county’s two snow melters at Long Bridge Park and the Trades Center in Shirlington. Other snow will be deposited in large piles at the former Key Bridge Marriott site in Rosslyn, Escuela Key Elementary and one a block of 14th Street N. in Courthouse, between N. Courthouse Road and N. Veitch Street.
This stretch of 14th Street N. has been closed indefinitely. It doesn’t impede access to any nearby residences, but it’s also “not the sunniest spot” and will probably be home to a large pile of snow for some time, Schwartz said.
14th St N between N Courthouse and N Veitch (next to Bozman Government Center and Court House above-ground parking) is closed indefinitely for County snow relocation operations. #ArlWX https://t.co/2LgwsxSTd8 pic.twitter.com/G8JBv0YP4n
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) January 27, 2026
Impressive snow removal (removing those mountains that plows create at the corners) happening down Clarendon Blvd earlier pic.twitter.com/R4WJPHP3cf
— clarendon scene (@ClarendonScene) January 26, 2026
County crews have used over 2,000 tons of salt in responding to this storm, although the impact is limited when the temperature gets into the single digits, Schwartz said.
As of yesterday (Monday), homeless services in Arlington were providing shelter to over 200 people, and the Department of Human Service’s outreach teams have been providing food, blankets, clothing and transportation to shelters.
The Virginia Department of Transportation, meanwhile, has rolled out heavy equipment to clear turn lanes and push back snow banks while crews continue to work on subdivisions in Northern Virginia.
The agency had over 1,900 pieces of equipment out in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties this morning, spokesperson Alex Liggitt told ARLnow.
Residents can request additional treatment by submitting a ticket on VDOT’s website. Arlington County also offers a similar snow issue form online.
“This will continue to be a process, with single digit morning temperatures and highs below freezing forecast all week, so we would like folks to use extra caution when finally venturing out on the roadways,” Liggitt advised. “Treat anything wet as icy, keep it slow on the roads, allow plenty of extra time for your commute, and be sure to clear your vehicle of any snow and ice before driving.”
County Board members began today’s meeting with a unanimous vote to consent to declaring a local emergency over the winter storm.
Schwartz anticipated restoring ART bus service on a handful of routes in the near future. If a resident needs to drive for medical reasons or other urgent needs, and their street isn’t currently passable, he said they can contact the Constituent Services Office to request a plow to clear their street.
Finally, Schwartz offered some advice for residents unfamiliar with this amount of snow.
“If you have a plastic implement, anticipate to break it,” he said.
The county manager advised using a metal shovel, beginning with small chops on the top of the snow before clearing it out from the bottom, bending the knees and moving the entire torso.
Schwartz additionally recommended keeping the wheel straight when backing out of parking spaces.
Also announced today: Arlington Public Schools students have another snow day tomorrow, and trash collection has been canceled for the third day in a row.
