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Snowfall totals varied dramatically across Fairfax County during Monday’s storm, with unofficial observations ranging from about 6 inches in Herndon to 10 inches in Newington.
Northwestern Fairfax County received the lowest reported amounts. Herndon recorded approximately 5.9 to 6.1 inches, according to observations reported by the National Weather Service at 4:39 a.m.
The heaviest snowfall appeared in central and southern portions of the county. Newington led with 10 inches as of 11 p.m. Monday, followed by 9.6 inches in Burke and 9.5 inches in both Lorton and Hybla Valley.
Other reported totals included:
- Newington: 10 inches
- Burke: 9.6 inches
- Lorton and Hybla Valley: 9.5 inches
- West Springfield: 9.3 inches
- Fairfax Station: 9.2 inches
- Rose Hill: 9 inches
- Fairfax: 8.1 inches
- Wolf Trap: 8 inches
- Chantilly: 6.5 to 7.8 inches
- I-395 and I-495 interchange: 7.5 inches
- Centreville: 6.3 to 9 inches
- Herndon: 5.9 to 6.1 inches
Even the county’s lowest totals exceeded the most substantial snowfalls of the previous winter. Storms on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19 each produced less than 5 inches, according to National Weather Service estimates.
Dulles International Airport recorded 5.1 inches Monday, setting a snowfall record for Jan. 6.
The storm lasted more than 12 hours. Snow reached the Town of Herndon before 1 a.m. and departed the Washington region around 10 p.m.
Closures and limited transit continue
Fairfax County remained in recovery mode Tuesday, despite no additional snow being forecast until Friday night, Jan. 10.
Fairfax County Public Schools canceled classes for a second consecutive day. Trash and recycling collection by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services was also suspended again.
County government offices opened late at 10 a.m., but every Fairfax County Public Library branch remained closed. Most Neighborhood and Community Services community, teen and senior centers were also unavailable, along with circuit, general district and juvenile courts.
Facilities that remained open included the Jim Scott Community Center, formerly known as the Providence Community Center; the Lewinsville senior and adult day health care centers; and the Reston Community Center.
Fairfax County Park Authority recreation centers and other facilities opened, although some programs could be affected.
“We appreciate your understanding as we work to clear parking lots and walkways to ensure the safety of staff and visitors,” the county said in an update around 11 a.m.
Fairfax Connector had initially planned to restore regular service Tuesday but instead shifted to a Sunday schedule, with some detours based on road conditions. The transit system urged passengers to allow additional travel time and monitor service updates.
Bus stop 6253 in Chantilly was not being served because the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Museum was closed.
Metro also operated under a severe snow plan, initially running 42 of its 193 bus routes and adding more as roads were cleared. Metrorail service continued operating normally.