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.
Arlington County community centers, libraries and other facilities will be closed Monday as the cleanup continues from today’s winter storm.
About 7-8 inches of snow and sleet fell in Arlington. Hours of sleet has resulted in an especially dense and heavy covering over local roads and sidewalks, making plowing and shoveling more difficult.
With a state of emergency declared in Virginia over forecasts of heavy snowfall this weekend, it may be time to brush up on Arlington’s snow removal ordinance.
The ordinance goes into effect after snow stops falling, but it varies based on how much accumulation there is. Penalties also vary based on the length of the sidewalk.
The threat of a major winter storm this weekend is now “high,” according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service said D.C. area residents should start preparing now for the storm, which is expected to begin Saturday afternoon or evening and peak Sunday morning.
Arlington’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee is pressing county and state leaders to do more to keep public walkways clear after winter storms.
Committee members have agreed to send a letter with a list of suggestions to County Manager Mark Schwartz, hoping to potentially improve conditions this winter or in future years.
County leaders are urging local residents to connect with neighbors and help one another if February and March bring more snow.
“This is an opportunity for people to renew their relationships with their neighbors and say, ‘Let’s team up and help,'” County Manager Mark Schwartz said during a Tuesday (Jan. 28) County Board snow briefing.
Arlington County still hasn’t issued any citations for slippery sidewalks following last week’s snowstorm, despite widespread complaints and lingering ice.
Limited staff and logistical challenges have limited the county’s efforts to answer more than 600 resident complaints after the snowfall, Rachel LaPiana, a spokesperson for the Dept. of Community Planning, Housing and Development, told ARLnow.
About an inch of snow fell in Arlington between Friday night and the early morning hours of Saturday.
Most main roads around the county have now been cleared as of 9:30 a.m., but many side streets remain snowcovered. Crews are now working on those local streets, while residents and businesses are expected to shovel their sidewalks within 24 hours.
Three days after the last snowflakes fell on Arlington, significant stretches of walkways around the county remain encased in ice.
Along sidewalks and crosswalks in front of businesses, single-family homes, townhouse developments and at least one county park, ARLnow braved the ice and snow yesterday and today (Thursday) to document numerous failures to comply with the county’s snow removal ordinance.
Arlington residents spent Monday shoveling sidewalks, clearing cars and cautiously navigating icy roads — at well as sledding and having fun — as snow blanketed the county.
People with shovels and a handful of vehicles creeping along snow-dusted roads were among the few signs of life in typically busy areas like Rosslyn and Crystal City. A few commuters could also be spotted bundled up against the cold, waiting for buses and trains to carry them through icy conditions.
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).
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.
