Author: Uriah Kiser

Stafford County Public Schools has identified several facilities that could be used as emergency shelters if needed during the ongoing winter storm, but officials emphasize that no shelters are currently open.

⚠️ Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article listed specific school buildings that could potentially serve as shelters. County officials later asked that those locations be removed out of concern that residents might mistakenly show up assuming the shelters are open, even though no decision has been made to activate them.

Mary Washington Healthcare says it has activated winter storm preparedness plans across Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals, along with outpatient and affiliated facilities, as a potentially serious weather event approaches. The health system says staffing coverage, on-site support, and continuity plans are in place to keep essential services operating during the storm.

Officials are asking the public to help reduce strain on the system and improve safety. Community members who do not have a reason to be at the hospital are asked to remain at home and to limit all non-essential travel for the duration of the storm. Patients with appointments are encouraged to check for delays or changes before traveling by visiting mwhc.com.

“Do not travel during this storm and immediately after the storm ends,” Virginia Department of Transportation announced. “Snow may fall at rates of 1–2 inches an hour at times, with more than 8 inches of snow accumulation possible.”

The City of Manassas will place a Snow Emergency into effect from noon Saturday, January 24, through noon Monday, January 26, ahead of the approaching winter storm. During that time, parking will be prohibited on designated snow emergency routes to allow plows and emergency vehicles to move freely. City officials are urging residents to limit all on-street parking before Saturday to avoid towing and speed snow removal.

City facilities will also be impacted. The Manassas Museum will be closed on Sunday, January 25, and the City of Manassas Community Center will be closed on Monday, January 26, with all programs canceled. Extra city staff, snow removal equipment, and contractors are scheduled to mobilize on Saturday afternoon as conditions deteriorate.