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Fairfax Connector will suspend all bus service at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, as Winter Storm Fern threatens the region with heavy snow, sleet and dangerous ice.

The shutdown will remain in effect through Sunday, Jan. 25. Riders with questions can call 703-339-7200.

Fairfax City had not announced changes to its CUE bus service as of Saturday afternoon. Metro was still planning regular bus operations, although individual routes could be detoured or temporarily suspended as conditions worsen.

Metro canceled all weekend track work and said updates would be posted on its website. The transit agency mobilized more than 400 pieces of equipment and stockpiled over 300 tons of salt ahead of the storm.

Officials are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Fairfax County will close all facilities except emergency services and hypothermia shelters from 8 p.m. Saturday through Sunday.

A National Weather Service winter storm warning is in effect from 11 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Monday for Washington, D.C., northern Virginia and parts of Maryland.

Forecasters expect Fairfax County to receive roughly 5 to 10 inches of snow and sleet. Some northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore could see as much as 14 inches, while ice accumulations may reach one- to two-tenths of an inch.

Snow could fall at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour before mixing with sleet or freezing rain Sunday. Forecasters warned that ice could cause tree damage and power outages, while travel may become nearly impossible and remain hazardous for Monday morning commuters.

Anyone who must drive is advised to carry extra food, water and a flashlight. Bitter cold is also expected to continue through the middle of the week, with wind chills in the single digits and teens and occasional readings below zero.