Fairfax County Public Schools will start classes on a two-hour delay tomorrow (Wednesday), as the region continues its slow recovery from the Jan. 25 winter storm.
Like they did today (Tuesday), school and administrative offices will open on time, as will afternoon preschool and adult education classes.
School Age Child Care and Beyond the Bell centers are schedule to open at 8 a.m., but some activities on school grounds have been canceled or delayed, FCPS said:
- Morning preschool and special education classes are canceled.
- Full-day preschool, special education, and Early Head Start/PreK classes start two hours later than the regular schedule.
- Morning field trips are canceled.
- Morning transportation for high school academy classes is canceled. Transportation will be provided for academy classes that start after 12:45 p.m.
- Adult High School and GED courses will start two hours later than the regular schedule.
- Homebound instruction will begin at 10 a.m.
“While road conditions continue to improve, right now we believe that travel during daylight hours is still the best way to get our students to schools safely,” FCPS Superintendent Michelle Reid said in a message to families.
The two-hour delay also accommodates a potential overnight dusting of snow that could add challenges to tomorrow’s morning commute.
The National Weather Service released a Potential Winter Commuting Hazard advisory today ahead of possible snow showers that are currently forecast to arrive in Fairfax County sometime between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. tomorrow.
As of press time, the chance of precipitation is 60%, and an inch at most of snow accumulation is expected. However, with many roads and sidewalks still not fully cleared of the “snowcrete” left by Winter Storm Fern, Fairfax County warns that travel could be risky.
“While snowfall totals may seem light, the timing and existing cold temperatures create a high risk for icy roads and significant travel delays across the region,” the county said in an emergency blog post, noting that salt treatments could also be less effective due to the cold air.
🚨 Potential Winter Commuting Hazard – Wednesday Morning 🚨
Light snow is expected to end between 2–5 AM, but below-freezing temps could leave roads snow-covered and icy for the morning commute. Accumulations should be an inch or less, but travel impacts are possible. pic.twitter.com/ADqQTDSvQq
— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) February 3, 2026
More on the commuting hazard from the National Weather Service:
…POTENTIAL WINTER COMMUTING HAZARD FOR THE WASHINGTON DC METRO AREA WEDNESDAY MORNING…
There is a potential for hazardous commuting conditions for the Wednesday morning commute. The snow will most likely end between 2 AM and 5 AM for most areas. However, temperatures will remain below freezing through the morning commute across the Washington Metropolitan area.
While any accumulation from this light snow is expected to be an inch or less, roads may be snow covered and icy during the morning commute. If commuting Wednesday morning, be aware of the potential for travel disruptions. Plan ahead by allowing for extra travel time, and consider using public transportation and telework options.
Fairfax County shared tips for drivers planning to hit the road tomorrow morning:
- Check Conditions Before Leaving: Monitor local traffic cameras and weather apps. If your workplace allows it, consider teleworking or a delayed arrival to allow road crews time to treat surfaces after the snow stops.
- Slow Down: Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Braking distances increase significantly on icy roads.
- Allow Extra Time: Expect your morning commute to take longer than usual.
- Watch Your Step: Sidewalks, parking lots and stairs will be just as slippery as the roads. Take small, “penguin-like” steps to avoid falls.
- Emergency Kit: Ensure your car has a full tank of gas and a winter emergency kit (blankets, water, flashlight and a phone charger).
Another Arctic front is looming later this week, potentially bringing more snow and “dangerously cold wind chills” on Friday (Feb. 6), the county noted.
The NWS currently puts Fairfax County’s chances of snow on Friday at 40%, with blustery conditions continuing into Saturday.
