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Another round of snow could make Fairfax County roads hazardous overnight into Saturday morning, especially in neighborhoods still recovering from Monday’s storm.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Fairfax County and much of the Washington region from 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, until 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. Forecasters expect 1 to 2 inches of snow across Northern Virginia, central Maryland and the District.
Light to moderate snow is expected to spread across the area late Friday evening before ending quickly Saturday morning. Roads could become slippery, with bridges and overpasses posing particular hazards.
The chance of precipitation Friday night was forecast at 80%, falling to 30% Saturday. Temperatures were expected to drop to 26 degrees overnight, creating the potential for snow and moisture to freeze. Saturday’s high was forecast to reach 35 degrees.
Fairfax County officials said snowfall rates will depend on the storm’s track and the location of individual snow bands, meaning some areas could receive higher totals. They urged drivers to check road conditions, allow additional travel time and use caution.
The new snowfall could compound problems in residential areas where roads remained inadequately plowed or treated after the Jan. 6 storm.
Virginia Department of Transportation crews worked around the clock during the week to make roads passable. Under the agency’s standard, that means clearing an 8- to 10-foot-wide path that emergency vehicles can use.
Fairfax County Public Schools reopened Friday on a two-hour delay after four consecutive snow days. Superintendent Michelle Reid said the school system was continuing to work with VDOT on conditions along secondary roads, including many streets in residential subdivisions.
In response to the overnight forecast, FCPS ordered all Friday activities on school property to end by 9 p.m. The restriction covered extracurricular events, athletic contests, team practices, recreation programs and community use by outside organizations.
Saturday activities on school grounds were permitted to begin no earlier than 10 a.m.