Snow Forecast For Fairfax County, Crews Preparing

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA—Get your snow boots ready, because it looks like a couple of inches of snowfall may be headed our way. According to the National Weather Service, there's a strong likelihood of snow in Fairfax County on Saturday, Jan. 12, into Sunday, Jan. 13. Fairfax County is under a winter storm warning from 4 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday.

Fairfax County is projected to get 3 to 4 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. Snow will likely move into the area after 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon, and a small amount will accumulate by the night. The snowfall may pick up as the evening progresses, leading to around 2 to 4 inches overnight.

Snow may continue on Sunday before moving out of the area in the afternoon. Forecasters didn't rule out additional snow showers into the evening but do not expect more accumulation. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 30s by day and the upper 20s at night throughout the weekend.

The Virginia Department of Transportation, which clears all but a few private roads in the county, is prepared for the storm. Road crews have pre-treated roads ahead of the snow. VDOT trucks will be stationed along roadways beginning Saturday afternoon. VDOT asks drivers to avoid travel when possible during the storm.

VDOT typically begins plowing when there's at least 2 inches of snow. If that's the case, residents can find out the status of plowing by visiting vdotplows.org. To check real-time road conditions, visit 511virginia.org.

Homeowners are asked to clear sidewalks in front of residences and businesses to keep them safe for pedestrians and particularly children and those with disabilities or the elderly.

Fairfax County recommends that you consider shoveling the following seven places:

• The sidewalk in front of your home
• The sidewalk in front of vacant homes or homes where residents are unable to shovel
• Fire hydrants
• Bus stops (there are more than 4,000 in the county)
• Sidewalks/paths that lead to schools or community buildings where snow has been removed
• Bike trails
• Storm drains

Here are some other preparation tips from VDOT:

• Monitor weather closely, as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.
• Plan ahead to avoid driving during the storm and after until conditions have improved. Freezing temperatures are expected through the weekend.
• Park in driveways or on the same side of the street to allow plows room to pass.
• If you absolutely must drive, know the conditions, drive for the conditions and give plows plenty of room. Ensure enough gas, wiper fluid, proper tires, medication, and an emergency car kit.

Resources to know

• The National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington office issues watches, warnings and advisories.
• Fairfax County releases emergency updates at fairfaxcountyemergency.wordpress.com, @ReadyFairfax on Twitter and facebook.com/ReadyFairfax.
• VDOT updates road conditions in real time at 511virginia.org and plowing status at vdotplows.org and general updates at @VaDOTNOVA.

Image via Shutterstock