Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area could be hit with another round of snow starting tonight (Friday), though it’ll likely be much less intense than the storm that passed through on Monday (Jan. 6).
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for much of the region, including Fairfax County, projecting 1 to 2 inches of snowfall between 10 p.m. today and 7 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday).
“Light to moderate snow will overspread the area late this evening, then quickly come to an end Saturday morning,” the NWS said.
Here’s the full advisory:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM EST SATURDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 2 inches.
* WHERE…District of Columbia, central Maryland, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 7 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Plan on slippery road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Light to moderate snow will overspread the area late this evening, then quickly come to an end Saturday morning.
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.
Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
The current forecast puts the chance of precipitation tonight at 80%, dropping to 30% tomorrow, per the NWS, but tonight’s low temperature of 26 degrees raises the possibility of snow freezing overnight. Temperatures are predicted to rise just above freezing tomorrow with a high of 35 degrees.
“Overall snowfall rates will depend on the exact track of the storm and where the bands set up, with the chance that some areas see heavier amounts,” Fairfax County said in an emergency blog post. “… The main concern will be slick and icy roads overnight and Saturday morning. Check road conditions, allow extra travel time and exercise caution while driving.”
The risk of snow turning into ice overnight is particularly worrisome for neighborhoods where residents say their roads remain inadequately plowed and de-iced after Monday’s snowstorm.
The Virginia Department of Transportation has said that its crews have been working around the clock throughout the week to make roads “passable,” meaning they have an 8 to 10-foot-wide path clear enough for emergency vehicles to access.
After four consecutive snow days, Fairfax County Public Schools reopened today on a two-hour delay. When announcing the reopening decision, Superintendent Michelle Reid noted that the school system was still working with VDOT to improve conditions on “secondary” roads, which include most streets in residential subdivisions.
However, in anticipation of snow tonight, FCPS announced at 3:16 p.m. that all activities on school grounds, including any athletic games and practices, will face a 9 p.m. curfew. Activities will be allowed to resume no earlier than 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Here’s the full alert:
All athletics and activities scheduled in Fairfax County public schools or on school grounds Friday, 1/10/25, must be completed by 9 p.m., including:
- extracurricular activities
- interscholastic contests
- team practices
- recreation programs and community use by outside groups not affiliated with FCPS
In addition, given the expected overnight snow, all athletics and activities scheduled in Fairfax County public schools or on school grounds Saturday, 1/11/25, must begin after 10 a.m.
