January 30, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

There is currently a winter storm watch in effect from late today (Saturday evening) until Sunday night/Monday morning. You can monitor the latest forecasts by signing up for severe weather alerts from Fairfax Alerts. I also recommend visiting the Fairfax County Snow Guide. There you can find snow preparation tips and resources translated in different languages.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for clearing snow from most roads in Fairfax County. While the snow hasn't yet started to fall, VDOT has been hard at work preparing. Once the winter weather begins, you can use VDOT's Plow Tracker tool to check the progress of roads you use and view live road footage.
Now is an ideal time to prepare for potential power outages by purchasing needed groceries, charging your phone, and printing this resource guide. If possible, please avoid traveling. But if you must travel, please check VDOT's Northern Virginia Emergency Information page for traffic conditions and new weather updates.


If you know someone who is currently exposed to the harsh winter weather, please share with them the Fairfax County Hypothermia Prevention Program. The program offers a warm bed, a safe environment, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No one should have to sleep outside. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.

On a final note, if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine on Sunday or Monday and poor weather requires a vaccine appointment to be rescheduled, the Health Department will contact you via your provided contact information.
Yours in service,
Supervisor James Walkinshaw
P.S. Forward this message to your neighbors in the Braddock District! Residents can use our sign up feature or email braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov to subscribe to the monthly Braddock Beacon newsletter and Advisories like this.
VDOT’s Northern Virginia Snow Update
VDOT asks drivers to:

Closely monitor weather reports.

Plan ahead.
If road conditions become hazardous, delay travel for your safety and to give crews time to clear or treat roads.

Be aware of the potential for ice.
With freezing temperatures in the forecast, any precipitation may freeze quickly. If you must drive, use extreme caution in areas prone to freezing such as bridges, overpasses, hills, curves, and ramps. See more winter driving tips.

Monitor road conditions
You can do so from home, on the free mobile app, or call 511 from any phone in Virginia.
Public Transportation Updates and Tips
We understand many readers rely on public transportation regardless of the weather forecast. Here are some tips to stay safe and warm.

Fairfax Connector:

WMATA:
  • Metro has announced a winter storm weather change. Metrobus will operate on a moderate snow service plan and scheduled work at Addison Rd., Arlington Cemetery, and on the Yellow Line bridge will be suspended.
  • Metro will deploy resources and equipment to keep the tracks clear of snow and ice and treat station platforms, walkways and parking lots for customers. 
  • Before you start your trip, find out how Metro is serving your area and don't let yourself get stranded once you're out.
  • Do not stand in the street while waiting for a bus.
  • Never run for a bus or train.
  • Report any unsafe conditions to a Metro employee.

Subscribe to MetroAlerts to receive email or text messages notifying you of Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess service disruptions.
Private Road and Sidewalk Snow Removal
Roadway Maintenance Map:
If a street within a townhouse, condominium, or business complex is not posted with a state route number, then it is a private street. Snow removal is the responsibility of the property management company, or homeowners association.
Sidewalk and Walkways:
It takes a whole community to shovel snow. While not legally obligated, we need your help to clear snow in front of residential or business properties so that all pedestrians (especially school-aged children, those with disabilities, and the elderly), may walk safely.
Utility Resources and Phone Numbers
Find useful links, phone numbers, and additional resources below. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 (Do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages). Also, check Fairfax County Public Schools' website regularly for any potential updates or alerts.
Power Outages:

If your power goes out, use your phone, or a laptop connected to a hotspot network, to report your outage and to get updates on their progress on restoring service.

You can report any downed power lines or outages through Dominion Energy's voice response system at 1-866-366-4357.

Novec:
You can report a power outage online or call (703) 335-0500.


Utilities:

Washington Gas:
If you smell gas, or in the event of a natural gas emergency, leave the area immediately, and call 9-1-1 and Washington Gas at (703) 750-1400.

Verizon:
To report an outage, call 1-800-837-4966.

Cox:
To report an outage, call (703) 378-8422.
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