Author: Mauriah Church-Barbour

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State police respond to hundreds of crashes during Virginia winter storm

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Virginia State Police are urging residents to stay off the roads as a winter storm continues to impact the state, leading to hundreds of traffic crashes. Since the start of the storm, troopers have responded to 475 crashes across the Commonwealth as of 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.

Of those crashes, 36 involved injuries and two resulted in fatalities. One fatal crash occurred in Fairfax County on Saturday evening, though police say weather was not a factor. The second fatality happened in Pittsylvania County on Sunday evening, and storm conditions may have played a role. State Police are investigating both incidents.

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Prince William

Masroor Mosque welcomes new imam, opens 2026 with pre-dawn prayers

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

The Masroor Mosque in Prince William County welcomed Imam Salman Tariq as the new missionary for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Masroor Mosque chapter. Imam Tariq brings experience from prior service in Canada, Ghana, and several U.S. states, including Missouri, Connecticut, and Maryland.

To mark the start of 2026, Imam Tariq led a special pre-dawn Tahajjud prayer, drawing more than 500 worshippers to the mosque. Men, women, and children participated in the voluntary prayers, followed by the Fajr (dawn) prayer and a sermon.

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Manassas

Manassas Park Urges Clearing Fire Hydrants

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
[Submitted Photo].

“A reminder about keeping the hydrants around the City clear,” Manassas Park Fire & Rescue posted.

Fire officials urged residents to remove snow and ice from fire hydrants near their homes to ensure quick access during emergencies. Clear hydrants help firefighters respond faster and more effectively during fires, especially amid winter weather.

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Business

Downtown Manassas Businesses Adjust for Snow

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

“Please note that while some shops/restaurants may be open… a lot of shops and restaurants are posting that they are closed today due to weather,” City of Manassas stated.

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Traffic

VDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Home

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
[Submitted Photo].

“Give us some time — we will get to you. Until then, stay off the roads, NOVA,” the VDOT NOVA District stated.

Prince William County shared the message as winter weather impacts road conditions throughout Northern Virginia. Officials are asking drivers to avoid travel while crews work to clear primary and secondary roads in Prince William County and neighboring jurisdictions.

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Prince William

Prince William County Offices Closed Monday

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

“Due to the impacts of weather conditions, Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026,” Prince William County Government announced.

The closure affects county government offices and facilities as winter weather continues to impact the region. Officials encouraged residents to use online services when possible and to check official county channels for reopening information.

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Manassas

Snow Emergency Declared in Manassas Park

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

“City Manager Carl Cole has determined that a snow emergency will be in effect for the City of Manassas Park starting at 12:00PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, until 12:00PM Monday, January 26, 2026,” Manassas Park Police announced. “This is subject to change based on weather conditions.”

The snow emergency goes into effect at noon Saturday and restricts parking on designated snow emergency routes across the city through Monday at noon. Officials said the action aligns with the Governor of Virginia’s declared state of emergency and is intended to allow crews to clear roads safely. An announcement will be issued when restrictions are lifted.

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Prince William

Scenic Drive Closes at Forest Park

By Mauriah Church-Barbour
[Submitted Photo].

“The visitor center will also be closed on Sunday, January 25,” the park stated. “While Pine Grove parking area will remain open, crews will be actively working to clear snow, so please use caution and follow all posted closures.”

Park officials said the closure is due to an incoming winter storm and ongoing snow operations. Visitors who choose to hike are urged to use caution while crews work to clear snow and ice from park roads and parking areas.

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