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Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late Wednesday, Feb. 4, as lingering hazards from Winter Storm Fern and another round of possible snow threaten the morning commute.

Schools will follow the delayed schedule, while administrative offices will open on time. Afternoon preschool and adult education classes will also proceed on schedule.

School Age Child Care and Beyond the Bell centers are expected to open at 8 a.m. Other schedule changes include:

  • Morning preschool and special education classes are canceled.
  • Full-day preschool, special education, and Early Head Start/PreK classes will begin two hours late.
  • Morning field trips are canceled.
  • Morning transportation to high school academy classes is canceled. Transportation will be available for academy classes beginning after 12:45 p.m.
  • Adult High School and GED courses will start two hours late.
  • Homebound instruction will begin at 10 a.m.

Superintendent Michelle Reid told families that although roads are improving, FCPS believes daylight travel remains the safest option for getting students to school.

The delay also provides extra time after snow showers forecast to reach Fairfax County between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 3 a.m. Wednesday.

The chance of precipitation stood at 60%, with no more than an inch of accumulation expected. Even that small amount could cause trouble because temperatures will remain below freezing and many roads and sidewalks are still coated with compacted snow and ice from the Jan. 25 storm.

The National Weather Service warned that light snow could end between 2 and 5 a.m., leaving roads icy or snow-covered during the Wednesday commute. Officials advised travelers to allow additional time and consider public transportation or telework.

Fairfax County also cautioned that road salt may be less effective in the bitter cold. Drivers were urged to check conditions before leaving, reduce their speed, increase following distance and carry winter emergency supplies. Pedestrians should use extra care on slippery sidewalks, parking lots and stairs.

Another Arctic front could arrive later in the week, bringing additional snow and dangerously cold wind chills Friday, Feb. 6. Fairfax County’s chance of snow Friday was forecast at 40%, with blustery weather potentially continuing into Saturday.