Countywide

Snow leads to tough morning commute in Fairfax, including Route 1 closure

By Angela Woolsey
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Snow has arrived in Fairfax County, creating slick, dangerous roads during this morning’s rush hour.

Richmond Highway has been closed in both directions in the Lorton area after “several vehicles … spun out” on the snow-covered road, the Fairfax County Police Department said shortly after 8 a.m.

The closure remains in place, as of press time, spanning Telegraph Road to Fairfax County Parkway.

“No injuries reported,” the FCPD said. “Please avoid the area and use alternate routes only if travel is necessary.”

Fairfax County also issued an alert at 9:11 a.m. stating that Woodburn Road at Spicewood Drive near Annandale has been closed “due to ice/snow conditions.”

As of 11 a.m., the Virginia State Police was investigating 10 different crashes — two of them resulting in injuries — that occurred on state highways in Northern Virginia. Those crashes don’t include any on local roads under the FCPD’s jurisdiction.

“Virginia State Police is encouraging drivers to pay attention to messaging from the Virginia Department of Transportation, and check road conditions at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov before heading out,” the VSP said in a press release. “Also, be aware that VDOT trucks will be working to clear the roads.  Please give them enough space in order for them to do their jobs.”

A Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service is still scheduled to remain in effect until 4 p.m. today (Friday).

While total snow accumulations are expected to top out around 1 inch, below-freezing temperatures have created “treacherous” travel conditions, the agency said.

“A combination of light snow and very cold temperatures will result in treacherous travel this morning,” the NWS said in a 4:36 a.m. update. “The morning commute will be impacted, with slick and icy roads and sidewalks expected.”

The full Winter Weather Advisory is below:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON…

* WHAT…Snow, with total snow accumulations near 1 inch.

* WHERE…DC, central Maryland, and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…Until 4 PM EST this afternoon.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Given temperatures will be in the 20s, snow is expected to accumulate on all untreated surfaces. A light snow will overspread the advisory area, with slightly higher amounts possible in any banding features. As snow winds down, a light freezing drizzle is possible into the afternoon.

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.

Anticipating a tough morning commute, Fairfax County Public Schools delayed start times by two hours today, canceling morning field trips and preschool and special education classes.

For anyone who must travel today, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office advised keeping an ice scraper at hand and checking tires before leaving. A flare or another illuminated device would ensure visibility to other traffic if drivers get stuck on the road.

“Safe distance and speed will keep everyone safe this winter season,” Deputy Nick Barb said.

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.