Major Winter Storm Alert: What Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC Homeowners & Businesses Should Do Now
A powerful winter storm is forecast to sweep across a wide stretch of the U.S. beginning late this week and intensifying over the weekend, bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, ice, wind, and a blast of Arctic cold into early next week. For the Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC region, forecasters are increasingly signaling the potential for a significant storm window from late Saturday into Monday, with disruptive snowfall and the possibility of sleet/freezing rain in parts of the metro area.
For homes and businesses, winter storms don’t just mean slippery roads, they often lead to water damage, structural issues, and costly downtime. At ServiceMaster NCR, we see the same pattern every season: most winter-weather property damage comes from water, frozen pipes, ice dams, roof leaks, sprinkler failures, and rapid thaw/freeze cycles that force water into places it shouldn’t be.
Below is what to expect, the most common winter storm damage risks in Alexandria/DC, and a practical checklist to protect your property and reduce the chance of a water damage restoration emergency.
What the Alexandria/DC Area May Experience
Forecast guidance for Alexandria shows a sharp temperature drop heading into the weekend, with snow possible Saturday and a continued wintry pattern into Sunday and Monday, conditions that commonly create freeze-related plumbing problems and ice buildup on roofs and walkways. In addition, national forecasts describe a high-impact system capable of producing snow, sleet, and freezing rain across a long corridor, plus strong winds and bitter cold behind the storm, factors that raise the risk of power outages and frozen pipes.
Because winter systems can shift, it’s smart to plan for multiple scenarios:
- Heavy snow (roof loads, blocked vents, drifting near doors)
- Sleet/freezing rain (ice on lines/trees, power outages, dangerous travel)
- Hard freeze after precipitation (pipes freeze/burst, hidden water damage)
The Real Threat: Winter Storms + Water Damage
When most people hear “winter storm,” they think snow removal. Restoration pros think water intrusion. Here’s why:
1) Frozen and burst pipes (the #1 winter water damage culprit)
When temperatures plunge, especially with wind, pipes in exterior walls, unheated crawlspaces, basements, attics, garages, and commercial utility rooms can freeze. As ice expands, it can crack a pipe. The real flood often happens when things warm up or water pressure returns.
High-risk spots in Alexandria/DC properties
- Hose bibs/spigots and irrigation lines
- Pipe runs in older homes with limited insulation
- Vacant/low-heat offices, retail spaces, and churches
- Sprinkler and fire suppression lines in commercial buildings
- Mechanical rooms near exterior doors/docks
What it looks like: weak flow, frost on pipes, bulging pipe insulation, water stains, or a sudden drop in water pressure.
2) Ice dams and roof leaks
Snow on a roof isn’t always the issue. The problem starts when heat escapes into the attic, melts snow, and that meltwater refreezes at the eaves, forming an ice dam. Water backs up under shingles and leaks into ceilings, walls, insulation, and lighting.
Watch for:
- Icicles forming along gutters/eaves
- Water stains on ceilings or around windows
- Dripping behind exterior walls during/after the storm
3) Wind-driven water intrusion
Strong gusts can push precipitation into roof penetrations, flashing gaps, soffits, and siding joints, especially on older commercial buildings or homes with aging shingles and caulking.
4) Power outages → secondary property damage
Outages can shut down heat, sump pumps, well pumps, dehumidification systems, and building automation, leading to frozen pipes, basement seepage, or humidity spikes that set the stage for mold after water damage.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center also tracks winter storm impacts using tools like the Winter Storm Severity Index, highlighting how snow/ice and flash-freeze conditions can create significant disruption.
Winter Storm Preparation Checklist for Homeowners in Alexandria and DC
Before the storm arrives
Prevent frozen pipes
- Set your thermostat to a consistent temperature (avoid big overnight setbacks).
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air circulate.
- Let faucets drip slightly during the coldest hours (especially farthest fixtures).
- Insulate exposed pipes (basement/crawlspace/garage) and seal air leaks.
- Disconnect hoses and cover outdoor spigots.
Reduce roof and gutter risks
- Clear gutters and downspouts so meltwater can drain.
- If safe, remove excess leaves/debris and check for loose flashing.
- Make sure attic access is sealed and insulation is adequate to reduce roof melt/refreeze cycles.
Protect basements and low areas
- Test sump pumps and ensure discharge lines aren’t frozen or blocked.
- Move valuables off basement floors (use shelving or pallets).
- Check foundation windows and door thresholds for gaps.
Create a “just in case” water damage kit
- Flashlights, batteries, towels, plastic sheeting
- Wet/dry vac (if you have one)
- Shutoff key for your main water valve
- ServiceMaster NCR contact info for emergency water damage restoration
During the storm
- Keep heat running and interior doors open to circulate warm air.
- If you see signs of a pipe freezing (reduced flow), gently warm the area with a space heater (safely) or warm towels, never an open flame.
- Watch ceilings for sagging or discoloration that may signal an ice-dam leak.
After the storm
- Walk your property (safely) and look for:
- New ceiling stains, bubbling paint, or damp drywall
- Water around baseboards, under sinks, behind toilets
- Ice buildup on eaves/gutters or unusual roof dripping
- If you experienced an outage, inspect sprinkler rooms and mechanical spaces first, commercial losses often start there.
Winter Storm Preparation for Businesses in the DC metro
Winter damage can shut down operations fast, especially if there’s a pipe break overnight or during a weekend closure.
Business-focused steps:
- Assign a staff member or vendor to check the building during extreme cold.
- Confirm your emergency shutoff valves are accessible and labeled.
- Review freeze protection for sprinkler systems (heat tracing, insulation, monitoring).
- Protect inventory: move products off floors and away from exterior walls.
- Plan for downtime: backup power for critical systems, data, and alarms.
- Ensure snow/ice removal contracts are ready (entries, loading docks, roof access where applicable).
If you do get water damage: act fast to prevent bigger losses
When winter storms cause water damage, time matters. The longer water sits, the more likely you are to face:
- Swollen floors and warped wood
- Damaged drywall and insulation
- Electrical hazards
- Odors and mold growth after water damage
Immediate steps:
- Stop the source (shut off water if a pipe bursts).
- Protect people first (avoid wet electrical areas; shut off power if needed).
- Document the damage with photos/video for insurance.
- Call a professional water damage restoration team to extract water, dry structural materials, and prevent secondary damage.
ServiceMaster NCR responds to winter-weather property damage across Alexandria, VA and the Washington, DC area, helping homeowners and businesses with emergency water removal, structural drying, contents care, and restoration.
