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Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency Thursday, Jan. 22, as officials prepared for a potentially major winter storm, dangerous cold, power outages and treacherous roads across the commonwealth.
Significant snowfall was expected to begin Saturday night, Jan. 24. Officials urged residents to prepare to remain home through the weekend and possibly into the following week.
Spanberger said the emergency declaration would help state agencies prepare for widespread effects from heavy snow, freezing rain and sleet. She warned that dangerously low temperatures, outages and unpredictable road conditions were also possible.
The Virginia Department of Transportation began treating roads with brine Thursday. Commissioner Stephen Birch said nearly 10,000 pieces of equipment and crews would be deployed statewide to clear snow, ice and road obstructions.
Interstates and primary routes will receive priority. Birch cautioned that plows might not reach some neighborhood streets until 24 to 48 hours after the snow ends.
Road clearing was a point of tension in Fairfax County after an early January storm in 2025 left six to 10 inches of snow. County officials criticized VDOT after residents reported lingering ice and slush.
The Virginia National Guard will mobilize troops and coordinate its response with state and local agencies, according to Spanberger, who had taken office less than a week before issuing the declaration.
The governor asked Virginians to stay off the roads from Saturday night through Monday morning. She said reducing traffic would protect residents and crews while allowing roads to be cleared more quickly during the storm’s most dangerous period.
State emergency coordinator John Scrivani advised residents to activate emergency alerts on their phones and check on neighbors who might need assistance, particularly older adults and people with special needs.
Price-gouging protections activated
The emergency declaration also triggered Virginia’s prohibition against post-disaster price gouging, Attorney General Jay Jones announced.
State law bars suppliers from significantly increasing prices for necessary goods and services such as food, water, generators, batteries, home-repair materials and tree removal.
Officials generally determine whether a price is unconscionable by comparing it with the amount charged for the same product or service during the 10 days before the disaster.
Complaints can be submitted to the attorney general’s office. Complaints involving gasoline prices can also be reported to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Snow could top 10 inches as bitter cold arrives
A Winter Storm Watch called for at least five inches of snow—and potentially more than 10 inches—from 7 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26.
Before the snow arrives, a Cold Weather Advisory was scheduled to run from 8 p.m. Friday through 10 a.m. Saturday. Wind chills could fall to 8 degrees below zero, creating a risk of hypothermia. Dangerously cold conditions were expected to continue through the following week.
Residents were advised to limit time outdoors and wear warm layers, including hats and gloves.
Metro canceled track work scheduled for the weekend because of the forecast.
Fairfax County emergency officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare emergency supply kits, make snow-removal plans, use salt carefully and check on neighbors.
Anyone concerned about an unsheltered person at risk of hypothermia can call Fairfax County police at 703-691-2131. The county’s seasonal Hypothermia Prevention Program provides overnight accommodations at permanent shelters and participating faith communities.
Herndon asks drivers to clear streets
Most Fairfax County roads are maintained by VDOT, but the Town of Herndon operates its own snow-removal crews.
The town asked residents and businesses to move vehicles off streets and cul-de-sacs before the storm so plows can pass. Crews will initially concentrate on main and secondary roads to preserve access for emergency vehicles, then move into neighborhoods after arterial routes become passable.
Property owners and tenants must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall. Herndon also asked residents not to shovel snow into streets or block storm drains and fire hydrants.
Town officials encouraged residents to help older adults, people with disabilities and others who may be unable to clear their sidewalks.
Herndon said operational changes and closures, including any impact on the Herndon Community Center, would be announced as decisions are made.
Power outages should be reported to Dominion Energy at 1-866-DOM-HELP. Residents were urged to charge phones, laptops and other devices before the storm. Emergencies should be reported by calling 911.