WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Less than 24 hours from a wintry mix forecasted for most of the DMV, crews are gearing up.
Although conditions will likely be the worst in the Appalachian Mountains, residents and officials are still stocking up on supplies, and coming up with weather response plans.
“We live on a pretty busy street, so a lot of people go to the bus near University Boulevard and so, we got to keep people safe,” said Nikki Rosen in Montgomery County, Md. “We don’t want anybody falling in front of our house. We make sure we clear and we treat our sidewalk,” she added.
Drivers may wish to stock up on supplies if stuck on the pavement, including cat litter and sand to increase tire traction while wheels spin, as well as blankets, portable chargers, hand warmers, “and some emergency food rations, we do have those as well,” said Lisa Wilson, working at an Ace Hardware store in Old Town Alexandria, Va.
As for oft-bought ice melt, salt and sand, Lisa Wilson suggests that homeowners do not overdue it.
“I think it would be probably best to take an estimate, depending on if you have a long driveway or short driveway,” she said. “If you’re good with measuring you’ll be fine, but we also have shakers here.”
Alex Liggitt, spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), said trucks will continue to bring highways around midnight Saturday morning, with more trucks to stage in the morning.
“Here at VDOT, we’re really asking people to limit travel if at all possible. I know it’s really nice outside now, but tomorrow, temperatures near freezing,” Liggitt said.
Ice buildup caused power outages for homes in the region Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, which is why Dominion Energy reminds Virginia customers to prepare; including to properly fuel generators.
If the power goes out for Dominion customers in apartment buildings, Dominion Energy Spokesperson Aisha Khan suggests users to download the utility company’s app.
“That’s the best way to report an outage or you can also call 866-DOM-HELP,” Khan said.
DMV residents are urged to contact 311 for snow and other weather-related emergencies.
