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Winter Storm Blair delivered Northern Virginia’s first significant snowfall in three years, giving many young children their first real opportunity to catch snowflakes and race down a snow-covered hill.
The storm arrived Monday morning, followed by another round Monday evening that continued into Tuesday. The National Weather Service reported 6 to 9 inches of snow across the region, accompanied by howling winds.
Schools and federal offices closed Monday, while Reagan National Airport shut its runways that evening. Continued overnight snowfall prompted schools and federal offices to remain closed Tuesday.
Temperatures were expected to stay below freezing, allowing the snow to linger, with another chance of snowfall Friday evening.
Seven Fairfax County sledding destinations
Popular sledding locations around the county include:
- Westgate Park, next to Westgate Elementary School in McLean
- “Mount Reston,” behind the Unitarian Church on Wiehle Avenue
- Mason District Park in Annandale
- Meadowood Stables, 10406 Gunston Road in Lorton
- Cardinal Forest Park, 6121 Roxbury Avenue in Springfield
- Jefferson Manor Park, 2909 Farmington Drive in Alexandria
- Lake Fairfax Park, 400 Lake Fairfax Drive in Reston
Anyone heading outside should inspect a hill for rocks, water, trees and other hazards before sledding. Helmets and ski goggles can provide additional protection.
Those without a traditional sled sometimes improvise with pool floats, foam mats, small plastic pools, air mattresses, vinyl cushions or sturdy cardboard with the front folded upward. Whatever equipment is used, riders should make safety the priority—and bring along a thermos of hot cocoa for the cold.