Snowstorm Stops — Now Reston’s Shoveling Begins

Happy Sunday! How did you weather the storm?

The serious snow stopped in Reston about 11 p.m. Saturday. That means about 35 hours of heavy snowfall for a total of about 28 inches in the Reston area, according to National Weather Service spotters.

Now comes the big dig-out, which could take awhile.

The Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) is urging all motorists to stay off the roads Sunday so streets can be adequately plowed.

VDOT says most interstates and primary routes in “minor to moderate condition,” many side roads are still completely covered in snow and ice.

“Even though the snow has stopped and dry weather is on the horizon, snow removal will be very extensive through the week,” VDOT said in a statement Sunday morning.

Want to know where VDOT’s plows are? Check the agency’s Virginia 511 site for real-time maps.

Who plows your street?

Here is how it works in Reston. The main roads — Reston Parkway, Sunrise Valley Drive, Sunset Hills Road and Wiehle Avenue, for instance — are plowed by VDOT.

Some residential streets — generally those not in a cluster or association — are also plowed by VDOT, but are low priority until the main roads are clear.

Most Reston homes are in a cluster or association. Your cluster or association dues cover snowplowing by a private contractor. If you are wondering about a plowing timetable, contact your cluster president or management association.

Reston Association is only responsible for plowing RA’s 55 miles of paths. RA’s path plows will be out in force today.

Neither RA nor VDOT is responsible for sidewalks. Sidewalks in a cluster are residents’ responsibility, so if you are shoveling, take a pass in the area in front of your home to help the neighborhood.

Sidewalks on a main street are a trickier issue — kind of a “no-man’s land” and have historically been a problem in Reston following big storms.

Metro will remain closed on Sunday. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority says both Reagan National and Dulles International Airports will likely be closed all day as well. Check with your airline if you have travel plans as many airlines are already canceling Monday flights as well.

Heading out to shovel? Here are some reminders about shoveling safety from WTOP.

Want to go sledding? Modern Reston has some good spots for you.

Reston Now will keep you updated on street conditions, as well as cancelations and closings.

Photo: Snowed-in cars in Reston on Jan. 24, 2016/Credit: Annika Bohn