Based on initial measurements, yesterday’s snowstorm didn’t quite measure up to the one that passed through in January, but combined, they’ve given the D.C. region its snowiest winter of the 2020s.
In Fairfax County, snowfall amounts ranged from 5.2 inches in the Town of Herndon, as of 7 a.m., to 8.5 inches spotted in Hybla Valley at 2:30 a.m., according to preliminary estimates reported by the National Weather Service at 10:28 a.m. today (Wednesday).
The Jan. 6 snowstorm also dropped more snow on the central and southeastern parts of the county compared to the west, with Herndon getting around 6 inches to the 9.5 inches reported in Hybla Valley and 10 inches in Newington, per NWS estimates.
Here are the snowfall estimates reported for different parts of Fairfax County from this week’s storm, which began yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon and continued overnight:
- Hybla Valley: 8.5 inches
- Springfield: 7.5 inches
- Burke and Fairfax Station (north): 7 inches
- Fairfax City: 6.6 inches
- Fairfax Station (southeast): 6.4 inches
- The I-66 and I-495 interchange: 6.2 inches
- Chantilly (northeast) and Vienna: 6 inches
- Chantilly (east): 5.5 inches
- Reston: 5.3 inches
- Centreville: 5.3 inches
- Falls Church and Herndon: 5.2 inches
Given the differences in accumulation across the county, the notability of the storm varies depending on which point of comparison is being used.
For those to the east and south, this is now the snowiest February since 2015, when 9.8 inches of snow were recorded at Reagan National Airport, NWS records show. The 8.5 inches seen in Hybla Valley exceeds the area’s 5-inch average for February, and with the 9.5 inches from January added on top, the total snowfall is the most in a season since 22.2 inches fell in 2015-2016.
However, for those in the western part of the county, this winter’s snowfall has been more in line with previous years. Data recorded at Dulles International Airport shows that the Dulles area got 6.4 inches of snow in February 2021, and the seasonal total is just slightly above last year’s 11.7 inches, though nearly all of that came during one week in January.
Historically, Dulles tends to get more snow than National Airport, with a seasonal average of 19.3 inches versus 13.7 inches. According to the Capital Weather Gang, the track of yesterday’s storm contributed to a noticeable difference in snowfall amounts to the north and south of the D.C. region with I-66 as a dividing line.
Though the snow stopped early this morning, the weather continued to disrupt travel. Since midnight on Feb. 11, there have been 92 crashes on Northern Virginia highways, including 14 with reported injuries, the Virginia State Police said at 11 a.m. A total of 910 crashes were reported statewide, 91 of them with injuries but none resulting in fatalities.
“Virginia State Police continue to encourage drivers to stay off the roads during the storm and allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews more space to work,” the state police said.
Metrobus is operating on a “severe snow plan” today, limiting service to major roads for the 42 of 193 routes that are in effect. Rail service is being provided without changes.
