The McLean Chocolate Festival has been postponed, and other events across Fairfax County are likely to follow, as a potentially major snow storm bears down on the D.C. region.
Originally set for this Sunday (Jan. 25), the McLean Chocolate Festival will instead return for its 14th year on Sunday, March 15, the Rotary Club of McLean announced yesterday. It will be held at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featuring chocolate vendors, live entertainment and children’s activities, the festival is organized by the rotary club as a fundraiser, with proceeds from the $3 admission fees going toward local nonprofits, student scholarships, literacy programs and other causes.
The decision to postpone the event was made by festival chair John P. McEvilly.
“We want to ensure the community stays safe this weekend while still looking forward to a ‘sweeter’ date in March,” McLean Rotary Club public relations chair Kamaraj Kalyanasundaram said.
Winter Storm Watch issued
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire D.C. area this morning (Thursday), advising that there’s a “high threat for significant snow and ice” starting Saturday evening around 7 p.m. through Monday morning (Jan. 24-26).
Extremely cold temperatures with sub-zero wind chills are also expected, starting tomorrow night through the middle of next week.
Winter Storm Watches have been issued for the entire area late Saturday afternoon-Sunday. Plowable snow & significant icing (especially south of I-66/US-50) can be expected. More: https://t.co/ZOlvESgJ2H. The time is now to prepare to minimize impacts for you & your family. pic.twitter.com/20G10OsXNF
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 22, 2026
The full alert is below:
Winter Storm Watch issued January 22 at 2:16AM EST by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC
WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 7 P.M. SATURDAY TO 7 A.M. EST MONDAY.
…MAJOR WINTER STORM POSSIBLE THIS WEEKEND…
.A large area of precipitation will overrun Arctic air in place over the Mid-Atlantic. This will likely lead to widespread significant snow beginning late Saturday, with the potential for ice Sunday especially south of Highway 50 and near and east of Interstate 95. In addition to the high threat for significant snow and ice, very cold temperatures are expected Friday night through the middle of next week with sub-zero wind chills likely at times.
* WHAT…Heavy snow mixed with sleet and freezing rain possible. There is a high likelihood of at least 5 inches of snow, with over 10 inches possible. Ice accumulation is also possible.
* WHERE…DC, and portions of central, northeast, northern, and southern Maryland, and central and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From Saturday evening through Monday morning.
* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow will likely overspread the area Saturday evening, becoming heavy at times late Saturday night with rates of one to two inches per hour possible at times. A mix with sleet or freezing rain is possible Sunday. Significant icing is possible especially south of Highway 50. Visibility of one-quarter mile or less is possible at times. A prolonged period wind chills in the teens and single digits is likely beginning Friday evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. Now is the time to make preparations for the storm. This includes getting any necessary groceries or medicines that you may not be able to access this weekend into early next week due to any potential closure. Have an emergency kit in the car including extra batteries, a flashlight, and blanket just in case you get stranded. Make sure to refuel or charge your car before the storm hits. Check on elderly friends, family, and neighbors and don’t forget about pets or livestock during this prolonged cold period.
Most Fairfax County roads are plowed by the Virginia Department of Transportation, though the towns of Herndon and Vienna, and Fairfax City have their own snow removal crews. Tips and resources for preparing for winter weather and handling it once it arrives can be found in the county’s online snow guide.
For anyone expecting to fly out of Dulles or National airports this weekend, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is monitoring the evolving weather conditions.
“We are keeping a close eye on the weekend weather forecast,” MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter told the authority’s board of directors at a meeting yesterday. “We’ll be ready.”
Dominion Energy preps to address power outages
Dominion Energy said it’s preparing for “potentially significant” power outages across Virginia and North Carolina due to heavy ice and snow accumulation, starting Sunday afternoon.
“Heavy ice accumulation, severe damage to trees and power lines, and difficult travel conditions could prolong the power restoration effort over multiple days,” Dominion warned. “Following the storm, we are expecting several days of extreme cold weather.”
Based on the current forecast, the utility anticipates that the biggest challenges from ice accumulation will come in northeastern North Carolina and Central, Southside and southeastern Virginia, where more than 0.25 inches are possible.
In addition to mobilizing its own personnel, Dominion says it’s looking to enlist “hundreds” of crew members from contractors and utilities in other states.
More from Dominion on its response plan and how residents can prepare:
As with any major storm, we will prioritize power restoration for hospitals, schools, water treatment facilities and other critical community services, as well as areas with the largest number of outages. We are also closely coordinating with state and local emergency management agencies to ensure resources are available for road clearing.
Here’s how our customers can prepare for potential power outages from the storm:
- The Dominion Energy app is the easiest way to report outages and track restoration. Customers may also use the Dominion Energy website or call 866-DOM-HELP.
- Stay away from downed power lines. If you see a downed pole or wire, please report it by calling 866-DOM-HELP and stay at least 30 feet away. The line could be energized and dangerous.
- Fully charge devices before the storm. Fully charge phones, computers and other electronic devices before the storm arrives. Consider purchasing portable batteries to extend the life of your devices.
- Properly connect your generator. If you have a generator, make sure it is fueled, tested, and properly connected before the storm arrives, and always operate it outdoors with good ventilation.
- Prepare food, water and emergency supplies. Before any storm, it’s always good to have bottled water and non-perishable food on hand, as well as emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first aid kits and medications.
