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Snow Removal FAQs

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snow plow truckDuring and after a snow event, Town crews and contracted plow operators work around the clock to clear roadways after snow and ice events. Crews continue to operate around the clock until roadways have been cleared. Below are some frequently asked questions and information on how the snow removal process works within the Town.

If you have a question that is not answered below, please email us with your question.

  • What if I have an urgent situation and cannot get out of my driveway or neighborhood?

    If you have a life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. If you have an urgent but non-life-threatening medical situation, please contact the non-emergency number for the Town of Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500.

  • When are the snow plows going to get to my street/cul-de-sac?

    This is one of the most common questions after a significant snowfall. As most residents know, priority is given to main thoroughfares and cross streets first, followed by secondary roads and subdivision cul-de-sacs and streets. With blizzard-type storms, snow drifts presents additional challenges - roads cleared can become snow-covered again, pulling crews back from subdivisions. It is not possible to definitively say when a crew will be on a particular street. Please be assured crews will continue to work and will be out there to all locations as soon as possible.

  • Why doesn't the Town have more people/equipment working on snow removal?

    The Town has 27 pieces of snow removal equipment. During and following a snow emergency, every available piece will be in use and all Street Division crew members, plus additional staff from other departments, will work around the clock until snow removal operations are complete. The Town also hires contract plow and snow removal operators and equipment as availability allows.

  • I haven't seen a plow in our neighborhood at all - did they forget us?

    Crews continue working to make sure all streets in town have had at least one pass by a plow. In the event of a second snowfall, Town crews may be redirected to main roads and pull back from continuing to work on subdivisions. After main roads have been cleared to passable levels, crews will resume work on secondary roads and subdivision streets. Please be assured crews will continue working to make all roads safe and passable. We also have personnel assessing roadway conditions and directing crews to areas still in need of initial services.

  • I live in a townhouse community, condo or apartment complex - why hasn't the Town cleared our area yet?

    Town of Leesburg crews do not clear snow from private property or streets that are not town-owned. You will need to contact your Homeowners Association or Property Management company regarding snow removal in these areas.

  • A plow came through, but why isn't the road cleared to bare pavement? It's still covered with snow and/or ice!

    Much like VDOT's method, the Town does not generally use chemicals in subdivisions and cul-de-sacs. Residents should expect side streets and cul-de-sacs to have some compacted snow and ice for a few days - until temperatures allow for melting. Crews will treat certain areas with sand or ice-melt - some hills and intersections, curved roadways, etc. where additional traction is needed to allow safe passage. Also, please keep in mind that high winds may cause drifting in some areas - a street may have been plowed only to later be covered again by blowing snow.  During a Snow Emergency you may call the Snow Hotline (703-777-SNOW) or report an issue using our online form to let us know and we will try to address the area as soon as possible.

  • I just cleared my driveway and a plow came through and covered it back up! Why?

    Snow plows are designed to move large amounts of snow quickly - unfortunately, they are not able to maneuver in such a way to avoid pushing snow in front of driveway aprons. Crews are trying to clear curb to curb in order for lanes of traffic to pass safely in both directions - please be assured they are not intentionally dumping snow back on cleared driveways! We recommend that when possible, residents refrain from shoveling a few feet from the road until plows have passed or shoveling to the right of driveways if you are facing the street - this can help reduce the amount of snow pushed back in front of driveways. The graphic below offers suggestions for how to clear your driveway to minimize the amount of snow that the plows will push back onto it.

    snow-plow-graphic

  • Why does the Town ask me to shovel around my hydrant?

    The Town has more than a thousand fire hydrants located around Town.  The use of large-scale snow removal equipment does not allow for plow operators to dig around the hydrants without risking damaging the equipment or hydrant.  There are not enough staff members to allocate individuals to hand-shovel around hydrants.  By helping clear snow around hydrants, you are making it easier for emergency personnel to respond in case of a fire.  This precious time saved can make a world of difference in the event of a fire.  Your help is greatly appreciated!

  • Will my trash and recycling be collected when it snows?

    Trash and recycling will be collected as usual, weather permitting.  Should there be a delay or change in schedule, we will post this information on the Town's home page as well as on the Public Works home page.  Please note that under hazardous conditions, crews may be through your community later or earlier than normal to try to maintain safe working conditions for crews.  Please be sure to place containers for collection where they can be easily seen by crews in the collection vehicle.

     

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  • Will the Town clear the sidewalks in the Historic Downtown?

    During major snow storms with high snow Downtown snow removal operationsaccumulations, crews will bring in special snow removal equipment and dump trucks to remove snow from the edge of pavement and sidewalks in the downtown historic area to facilitate business openings and commerce in this area. Signs will be posted and streets will be temporarily blocked while crews work in these areas. Please use caution when in these areas as snow melt creates additional hazards with icicles on buildings and snow on roofs which can slide off onto the sidewalks and streets.

  • Are they coming into my neighborhood with special equipment and dump trucks to haul the snow away?

    Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring specialized snow removal equipment into each subdivision. The cost and crew needed to facilitate this kind of operation means it is not practical to use this method in every subdivision and street. Crews will continue to work to clear streets in neighborhoods, subdivisions and town-owned property to make roads passable.

  • I think I may have a burst water pipe or my water pressure has gotten really low since the storm - who should I call?

    During normal business hours (8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday), please contact the Utilities Department at 703-771-2750 to report a problem. If you are not able to reach someone or need assistance outside of normal business hours, please contact the non-emergency number for the Police Department at 703-771-4500 and they can assist with dispatch and contacting the Utilities Department.