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A fast-moving snow squall swept across parts of Fairfax County, bringing bursts of heavy snow, gusty winds and the potential for near-zero visibility during the afternoon rush hour.

The National Weather Service issued a Snow Squall Warning after radar detected the storm over Lincolnia and Annandale at 3:27 p.m. It was moving east at 45 mph, with wind gusts reaching 35 mph and visibility potentially dropping below one-quarter mile.

By 3:47 p.m., the squall had reached Fort Hunt and was traveling at 35 mph. The warning was scheduled to expire at 4:30 p.m.

Areas in the storm’s path included Alexandria, Annandale, Springfield, Fairfax, Groveton, Huntington, Mantua, Burke, Oakton, Franconia, Merrifield, Lake Barcroft and West Springfield. The Interstate 395 and Interstate 495 interchange in Springfield was also among the locations that could be affected.

Snow squalls are brief but intense periods of moderate to heavy snowfall that can include strong, gusty winds and occasionally lightning. The weather service warned that blowing snow could produce whiteout conditions with little notice, creating dangerous and potentially life-threatening travel.

Drivers were urged to reduce their speed, turn on their headlights and consider postponing travel until the squall passed. Rapid changes in visibility and slick roads could increase the risk of crashes.

With freezing temperatures potentially lasting into early Saturday morning, Fairfax County Public Schools canceled all activities on school grounds through 9 a.m. Saturday.

The squall arrived ahead of another possible winter storm. Forecasts called for four to eight inches of snow across Washington and its immediate suburbs, including Fairfax County, from Sunday night into Monday, Jan. 6.