Don’t drive.
That’s the message from Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) as a possibly record-breaking blizzard looms over the area. Most roads in Arlington were at least partially snow-covered as of 4:50 p.m. this afternoon, and conditions are only getting worse as the snow piles up.
Drivers spotted the man at the intersection of Army Navy Drive and Joyce Street around 1:30 p.m. yesterday, according to police. Authorities initially received a call for a “naked male walking in cold weather talking to himself,” said ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage.
Temperatures hovered close to freezing throughout the day yesterday.
Brace Yourselves — Latest predictions say the snow is set to start as early as noon today, which happens to be the same time federal offices in D.C. and the surrounding area are expected to close. [Capital Weather Gang]
Blizzard Closures — Metro will cease all service at 11 p.m. tonight. Federal government and Arlington County offices across the area close at noon. Arlington public schools will be closed today, and all weekend activities are cancelled. [Metro, Washington Post, APS, Arlington County]
‘Carmageddon’ Grips Local Roads — It’s crazy what one inch of snow can do to unsalted roads. Hundreds of drivers slid, stopped and slammed into each other across area roads last night and early this morning. Multiple commuters told us it took hours to get home. [ARLNow, FOX 5, CBS 6, Washington Post]
Traffic Study Reveals I-66 Problems — Ever wondered why I-66 is a mess sometimes? A new study supporting a plan for high-occupancy toll lanes may help shed light on why. Though that answer to that question is complicated, the study did reveal one thing: HOV rules have a large impact on traffic. [Washington Post]
Gov declares a state of emergency in response to winter storm – VAians urged to prepare now. https://t.co/2WHbxAlM7N pic.twitter.com/8pXfhO3m0y
— Governor Ralph Northam (@VAGovernor73) January 21, 2016
Arlington County Public Schools will be closed today, Thursday, Jan. 21.
Why the closure? Last night’s nightmare traffic conditions might have something to do with it.
If this was a test run for this weekend’s snowstorm, we didn’t fare well.
Though a thin coating of snow fell across the Arlington area, many drivers found that roads were slick at best, treacherous at worst. Traffic piled up across the county as early as 7 p.m. this evening, and plenty of drivers told us they encountered unsalted, untreated roads.
A Donald Trump impersonator will debate a Bernie Sanders impersonator at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike) next month.
The latest forecast suggests a “crippling” blizzard is headed for the region, with snowfall totals in the double digits and strong winds possible. And before we go any further, let us remind you that you asked for this just one week ago.
With any winter storm comes a lot of excitement and plenty of panic. How have you prepared thus far? Snowblower gassed up? Are your shovels sharpened? Did you buy the bread, eggs and milk?
Summer Reading Becomes Winter Donation — Arlington Public Library staff presented the The Reading Connection with a check for more than $2,400 yesterday morning. The dollar amount represents a $1 donation for each person who completed the library’s 2015 summer reading program. [Arlington Public Library]
Toll Time for I-66? — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recommended funding for projects that would bring toll lanes to I-66 and add a second entrance to the Ballston Metro Station, among other developments. [WTOP]
That man is Piff the Magic Dragon and the Chihuahua is Mr. Piffles, his trusty sidekick. Together, the duo’s oddball blend of comedy and stage magic propelled them to the finals in the latest season of “America’s Got Talent.”
Fresh off of a six-month stint at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Piff and Piffles will perform four shows in two nights on Friday, Jan. 1 and Saturday, Jan. 2, with performances at 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. each night. Tickets are $20.
(Updated at 6:30 p.m.) The owners and managers of 12 restaurants centered around the Courthouse Metro station say local food trucks are severely impacting their restaurants.
We’re told that representatives from Summers Restaurant, Guarapo, Me Jana, TNR Cafe, Afghan Kabob House, Subway, Cosi, Boston Market, California Tortilla, Jerry’s Subs and Pizza, Corner Bakery, and Ireland’s Four Courts met Wednesday to form a group that plans to push the Arlington County Board to further regulate food trucks.
