The National Weather Service continues to pile on alerts for the potentially massive snowstorm barreling toward the D.C. area.
The agency has now upgraded a previously announced winter storm watch for the region, including Fairfax County, into a Winter Storm Warning that’s scheduled to take effect at 11 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) and remain in place until 4 a.m. Monday (Jan. 26).
A mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected, with total accumulations ranging between seven and 14 inches possible on top of one to two-tenths of an inch of ice. The heaviest precipitation might miss Fairfax, falling instead in D.C.’s northern and western suburbs in Maryland, according to the NWS.
“Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice,” the NWS said. “Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.”
The full alert:
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM SATURDAY TO 4 AM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 7 and 14 inches, with highest in the far northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore. Ice accumulations between one and two tenths of an inch.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, northeast, and northern Maryland, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 PM Saturday to 4 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Snow will likely overspread the area Saturday night, becoming heavy at times with rates of one to two inches per hour possible at times. A mix with sleet or freezing rain is expected 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 this evening and lasting through the middle of next week, with sub-zero wind chills possible at times.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Persons should consider delaying all travel. Motorists should use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.
A Cold Weather Advisory issued yesterday has also been updated. Starting at 8 p.m. tonight (Friday) through 10 a.m. tomorrow morning, extreme cold mixed with wind could make temperatures feel as low as 9 or 10 degrees below zero.
More from the National Weather Service’s alert:
…COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Very cold wind chills as low as 9 below expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central, northeast, and northern Maryland, and central, northern, northwest, and western Virginia.
* WHEN…From 8 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
In anticipation of the storm and potentially dangerous cold, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency yesterday, allowing the state to devote additional resources to preparing for and responding to any impacts.
The Virginia Department of Transportation, which began pre-treating roads with brine yesterday, urged community members to finish preparing for the coming storm today and to stay off the roads once snow begins to fall.
A #WinterStormWarning has been issued for NOVA District Saturday PM through Monday AM. Snow totals of 8-14" along with potential icing of 0.1-0.2" are forecast by @NWS_BaltWash. Finish up preparations today and stay home and off the roads once precipitation begins. pic.twitter.com/fDFsnZPiqR
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) January 23, 2026
The Fairfax County Police Department echoed VDOT’s message to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, noting that its officers will remain on duty throughout the storm.
Anyone who must drive for some reason should take the time to completely clear all snow and ice from their vehicle, the FCPD said. The department also advises keeping resources for handling extended power outages or road closures handy, including:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Fully charged phones and portable chargers
- Warm clothing, blankets, and extra layers
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Prescription medications and essential supplies
- Ice scrapers, shovels, salt, and traction material like sand or kitty litter
Residents are also encouraged to check on their neighbors, particularly older adults or people with medical and mobility needs, and to sign up for emergency alerts so they can be notified of changing conditions.
