Arlington’s snow removal ordinance is in effect after yesterday’s storm.
According to the National Weather Service, 7.2 inches of snow fell at Reagan National Airport (totals of up to 9.3 inches were reported elsewhere in Arlington and Falls Church).
Delayed Opening for County — “Due to inclement weather, Arlington County Government facilities will open, and judicial court proceedings will begin at 10 a.m. on Tues., Jan. 7, 2025… The County Courthouse is closed. All scheduled court cases are postponed.” [Arlington County]
Be Careful Out There — “Even after roads have been plowed and treated, drivers should still use caution because they may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and motorists should use extra caution when approaching bridges, overpasses, highway ramps and shady areas where ice can form.” [VDOT]
Local Man Faces Explosives Charges — “A Virginia man arrested on New Year’s Day is facing multiple charges in connection with homemade explosives that were discovered in a suspected stolen vehicle, authorities said… Deputies responded, but could not immediately locate the vehicle. However, they later found it and its suspected driver, 19-year-old Jordan Alexander Sweetman of Arlington, at a nearby 7-Eleven.” [CBS News]
Man Bites Firefighter — “5000 block of Columbia Pike. At approximately 8:08 p.m. on January 3, police were dispatched to assist fire personnel on a medical call for service. While being transported to an area hospital, the male suspect bit a firefighter. The firefighter sustained minor injuries and did not require medical attention.” [ACPD]
Arlington Helps Out at Capitol — From ACPD: “Members of ACPD and ACFD, along with our law enforcement and military partners, provided enhanced security at the US Capitol today during the counting and certification of the electoral vote for the 2024 election. No matter the forecast, Arlington’s first responders are hard at work ensuring public safety.” [Facebook]
Community Police Academy Opens Apps — “The Arlington County Police Department is now accepting applications for the 29th Community Police Academy (CPA). The CPA is an educational program designed to enhance communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding between the police and the community they serve. Its goal is to increase participants’ awareness of how the Arlington County Police Department operates and its vital role within the community.” [ACPD]
Cemetery Closed Today — From Arlington National Cemetery: “Arlington National Cemetery will be CLOSED to the public and family pass holders on Tuesday, Jan. 7 due to inclement weather. Funeral services will be conducted as scheduled.” [Twitter]
Another Winter Storm? — “Another storm is possible, but far from definite, for the D.C. region on Saturday, possibly starting late Friday night. We’ll still have plenty of cold air in place so there’s definitely wintry potential. Some models show a storm coming north from the Gulf of Mexico, its low-pressure center hugging the Atlantic coast and giving us significant accumulating snow or a wintry mix.” [Capital Weather Gang]
It’s Tuesday — Expect sunny skies and a high near 32 degrees accompanied by a northwest wind of 15 to 17 mph with gusts reaching 36 mph. Tonight, the skies will be partly cloudy, and the temperature will drop to around 18 degrees. The northwest wind will blow at 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. [NWS]
Bad news if you receive Arlington County’s trash collection service on Mondays: you’re going to have to wait another week.
With snow expected to continue accumulating Monday night, the Dept. of Environmental Services announced this evening that trash collection for Tuesday through Friday customers will be pushed back a day, starting Wednesday. Monday customers, meanwhile, will have to keep piling up their trash bags for another week.
Federal-government employees irked at the prospect of being forced back into the office five days a week might want to check out job opportunities with the Arlington County government.
Arlington continues to offer a relatively flexible work-from-home policy, and would be happy to talk with those who might wish to avail themselves of it, the county’s top staffer said.
Arlington County has recorded its first carjacking of 2025.
A delivery driver was carjacked on Thursday, Jan. 2 near the Pentagon City Metro station, according to an Arlington County Police Department crime report.
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.
It’s a snow day for dozens of local businesses and services around Arlington and Falls Church.
Some grocers, department stores and shopping centers remain open for urgent purchases, in addition to a handful of local restaurants, which have advertised some snowed-in specials and entertainment. These include:
You’re waking up to a snowglobe world of plows and closed offices.
Some 4-5 inches of snow have fallen so far, as of 8:30 a.m., with more expected for the next couple hours and then later today.
Some Snow Advice — From County Board member Takis Karantonis: “Ready for the snow? Sign up for [Arlington Alerts.] Check on neighbors who may need help. Park cars out of snow-plowers’ ways. Keep that shovel handy.” [Twitter]
No School for DJO –“All classes and activities at Bishop O’Connell are canceled for Monday, Jan. 6.” [Twitter]
Scooter Rider Struck — From Dave Statter: “WARNING: This video shows someone on a scooter being struck by a vehicle. Injuries not reported to be serious. It happened last night in a crosswalk on S. Eads at Army Navy. Sharing to highlight the safety issues.” [Bluesky]
Stolen Car Flees — From Statter: “More Pentagon City chaos. A stolen car from Arlington made an escape down Army Navy Drive in the 1:00 hour. @ArlingtonVaPD. was not authorized to chase but followed the Toyota Sienna. It hit two or three cars including at 1:00 in this video. That driver followed the Toyota until it went the wrong way on the I-395 express lanes.” [Twitter]
Questionable Driving Moves — Also from Statter: “Wondering if this is the maneuvering that sparked the malicious wounding/road rage on New Year’s Eve in Crystal City. It’s the right time – approximately 2:48 pm. It’s the right location – Crystal Drive and Potomac Avenue.” [Bluesky]
Cop Assault Suspect’s Rap Sheet — A man accused of chasing someone with a knife and then assaulting a police officer in Rosslyn has an extensive criminal history, according to court records. [Twitter]
It’s Monday — Expect snow in the morning, turning into a mix of snow and sleet between 10am and 1pm, followed by snow possibly mixed with freezing rain after 1pm. The high will be around 28, with a northeast wind of 6 to 9 mph. Precipitation chances stand at 100%. Monday night will see snow mainly before 10pm, with a low of 19, a northwest wind at 10 to 15 mph, gusting up to 24 mph. [NWS]
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Expect 8-12 inches of snow between Sunday night and early Tuesday morning in Arlington and the immediate D.C. area.
That’s according to the latest snowfall forecast from the National Weather Service. There’s also a 10% chance of 15-16 inches of accumulation.
A big portion of the GW Parkway will close Sunday night in anticipation of the impending, major winter storm.
The National Park Service announced the closure, for the northern portion of the Parkway from Spout Run in Arlington to the Beltway, early Sunday afternoon.
With the holiday season coming to a close, Arlington’s main political parties already are focusing on another election season.
And the cash that will be required to compete in it.
