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Fairfax County is under a Winter Storm Warning as a powerful mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain approaches Northern Virginia, threatening nearly impossible travel, power outages and tree damage.
The warning will run from 11 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26. The National Weather Service forecasts 7 to 14 inches of snow and sleet across the region, along with one- to two-tenths of an inch of ice.
The highest precipitation totals are expected in the northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore, meaning the storm’s heaviest band could pass north and west of Fairfax County.
Snow is expected to spread across the area Saturday night and could fall at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Sleet or freezing rain will likely mix in Sunday, with significant icing possible south of Highway 50. Visibility could fall to a quarter-mile or less at times.
Ice accumulation is likely to damage trees and cause power outages. Travel could become nearly impossible, and hazardous roads may affect Monday morning’s commute.
Officials are urging residents to postpone travel. Anyone who must drive should carry a flashlight, food and water and can obtain current road conditions by calling 511.
Bitter cold arrives before the storm
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from 8 p.m. Friday until 10 a.m. Saturday. Wind chills could fall to 9 or 10 degrees below zero, creating a risk of hypothermia during prolonged exposure.
Residents traveling outside should wear appropriate winter clothing, including hats and gloves. Wind chills in the teens and single digits are expected to persist into the middle of next week, with below-zero readings possible at times.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency Thursday, allowing the commonwealth to direct additional resources toward storm preparations and response.
The Virginia Department of Transportation began treating roads with brine Thursday and urged residents to complete their preparations Friday, then remain home once precipitation begins.
Fairfax County police issued similar guidance while noting that officers will stay on duty throughout the storm. Drivers who must venture out should completely remove snow and ice from their vehicles before leaving.
Officials recommend preparing for extended power outages or road closures with flashlights, extra batteries, charged phones, portable chargers, warm clothing, blankets, bottled water, nonperishable food, medications and other essential supplies. Ice scrapers, shovels, salt and traction materials such as sand or kitty litter may also be useful.
Residents are encouraged to register for emergency alerts and check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with medical conditions or mobility needs.