Arlington County snow crews have now shifted to Phase 4 of storm response, which includes cleaning up areas that need more attention.
The storm that impacted the region last weekend was truly exceptional, and its impacts are going to be felt for weeks.
The defining feature of this storm was historic sleet, falling at uncommonly low temperatures. That combination — heavy sleet embedded in deep cold — created a storm that will prove far more disruptive and longer-lasting than a typical snowstorm.
Crews are working 12-hour shifts around the clock to clear roads as quickly and as safely as possible, but the unique combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain – and consistent refreezing – has made progress slow and difficult on some streets.
Snow removal has required specialized equipment to help break up the significant ice on our roadway – for example, Tuesday night, seven backhoes/loaders were out to help with more difficult snow and ice removal.
With that said, crews continue to steadily make progress – as of Wednesday morning, approximately 99% of primary and secondary streets, 99% of school routes, and 97% of residentials have been made at least passable. A “passable” residential street may only be passable with one lane, and you may not see bare pavement yet. That’s especially true in this storm.
Crews are working on cleanup of primary and secondary streets, with a focus on remaining residential streets with little to no treatment that are difficult to navigate.
Quite simply, this will take time – the constant refreeze often means crews often need to re-plow primary and secondary roads.
Where Does It All Go?
In some areas, especially our commercial corridors, snow accumulation can pose a challenge when there is limited space to put the snow. These commercial corridors experience intense multi-modal usage in very tight rights-of-way, and without the benefit of melting temperatures, snowdrifts can make passage difficult.
The County is conducting a once-in-a-generation snow hauling effort from these commercial corridors (Ballston-Rosslyn and Pentagon City) and melting it at separate locations across the County to help alleviate this issue.
Crews have already hauled over 1,000+ truckloads of snow, storing it in places like along 14th St. N. in Courthouse. The County will continue to explore potentially identifying other locations as snow hauling continues for our commercial corridors.
Phase 2 storm response continues including removal of snow from certain roadways and conversion from solid to liquid. You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time. #ArlWX www.arlingtonva.us/Government/D...
[image or embed]
— Department of Environmental Services Arlington, Virginia (@arlingtondes.bsky.social) January 27, 2026 at 6:53 AM
Report Snow Issues and Stay Informed
The Snow Issue Form is accepting submissions for snow issues for streets where plows have already come through. At this time, that should include all residential streets. Please know that a passable street may only have one lane and you may not be able to see pavement. Please continue to give crews the time and space they need to safely clear roadways.
The Snow Activity Map remains live to show the progress of plowing operations in almost real-time.
The Dept. of Environmental Services will continue to share messaging on social media on snow phases, service changes, snow response resources, and reiterating the importance of staying home and off the roads. We will also continue to monitor social media for any complaints or concerns.