Countywide

UPDATED: Fairfax County schools cancel Monday classes as snow continues

By Angela Woolsey
Snow falling around a tree in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

After initially planning a two-hour delay, Fairfax County Public Schools has now canceled classes tomorrow (Monday) as snow has begun to accumulate across the D.C. region.

“Due to the worsening weather conditions, and after careful consideration, all FCPS schools and central offices will now be closed Monday, February 23, 2026,” FCPS said in an update issued shortly after 6:20 p.m.

More from the updated alert:

The following activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled:

  • Extracurricular activities.
  • Interscholastic contests.
  • Team practices.
  • Field trips.
  • Middle school after-school programs.
  • Professional learning and training courses.
  • Adult High School and GED.
  • Adult and Community Education (ACE) classes.
  • Recreation programs and community use by outside groups not affiliated with FCPS.
  • Homebound instruction.

School Age Child Care (SACC) and Beyond the Bell (BTB) centers are also closed.

In accordance with Regulation 4810, employees designated as essential personnel should follow supervisor direction. Emergency administrative leave is authorized for all other personnel.

In addition, Fairfax County government offices will be closed tomorrow, affecting the courts, libraries and other services. Fairfax Connector will still operate its regular weekday service with possible snow detours.

Currently, the National Weather Service is forecasting 2 to 4 inches of snow for D.C. and its Northern Virginia and Maryland suburbs, though some areas could see up to 5 inches, according to a Winter Weather Advisory issued earlier this afternoon.

Updated snow accumulation forecast for D.C. area on Feb. 22-23, 2026 (via National Weather Service)

Set to take effect at 5 p.m. today and remain in place through 10 a.m. tomorrow, the advisory replaces a Winter Storm Watch that was issued early Saturday (Feb. 21) and anticipated that the storm could bring 5 or more inches of total snow accumulation.

With the storm expected to hit hardest farther north, prompting New York City to issue a travel ban, it appears the D.C. area will avoid major impacts, but tomorrow’s morning commute could still be challenging, the NWS says.

The Fairfax County Police Department says it’s already receiving reports of crashes due to the “slick” roads.

“Avoid unnecessary travel, slow down and give yourself extra time,” the FCPD said. “If you have an emergency, we’re here and ready to respond.”

The full advisory is below.

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM EST MONDAY…

* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches with localized amounts around 5 inches. Northwest winds gusting between 30 and 40 mph overnight through Monday.

* WHERE…District of Columbia, central and southern Maryland, and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…From 5 PM this afternoon to 10 AM EST Monday. Rain or a rain and snow mix will change to all snow between 4 PM and 6 PM late this afternoon and early evening. The steadiest snow will be tonight.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

About the Author

  • Angela Woolsey is the site editor for FFXnow. A graduate of George Mason University, she worked as a general assignment reporter for the Fairfax County Times before joining Local News Now as the Tysons Reporter editor in 2020.