Central Nova News

The City of Alexandria is preparing for the winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for the region. The advisory warns of possible additional snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches and a mixture of rain, snow, and freezing snow throughout the day tomorrow. In response, the various city departments are taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.

The Transportation & Environmental Services Department (T&ES) has activated its snow and ice team to respond to the morning's snowfall and the expected heavier snowfall tonight. They will provide 24-hour coverage to address any transportation and environmental issues caused by the weather conditions.

The Department of Community & Health Services (DCHS) is extending the operating hours of the Winter Shelter at 2355-A Mill Road. The shelter will remain open with extended hours through Wednesday, and the operating hours will be adjusted as needed based on the weather conditions.

The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA) is also taking steps to ensure the well-being of the residents. The recreation centers will serve as warming centers during their normal operating hours, and the hours may be extended if necessary. The residents are encouraged to visit these centers to get out of the cold and stay warm.

In light of the dangerously cold temperatures expected, the city advises residents to be prepared and know where they can go to get out of the cold. Suggestions include visiting restaurants, shopping malls, community centers, or local libraries. It is also important to gather supplies in case of power outages and to keep in mind the specific needs of each individual, including medication and access to power.

The city also emphasizes the importance of providing warm shelter and ample food and water for pets during the cold weather. Residents are advised to prepare their homes to keep out the cold by ensuring insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Additionally, precautions should be taken to prevent pipes from freezing by allowing faucets to drip, keeping cabinet doors open, and garage doors closed.

For more information on winter emergency preparedness and safety tips, residents are encouraged to visit the website alexandriava.gov/Snow. The city recommends using the Alex311 Website, Alex311 Mobile App, and @AlexandriaVA311 Social Media for reporting any concerns related to city services. In case of immediate emergency assistance, residents should call 9-1-1.

To stay updated on weather conditions, residents can subscribe to alexandriava.gov/eNews for weather updates. For those who prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available by emailing LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or calling 703.746.3960.

The City of Alexandria is actively responding to the winter weather conditions and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. The various departments are working together to address any challenges posed by the snowfall and freezing temperatures. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions and utilize the resources available to them during this time.