Potomac Local News

Fredericksburg 250 Open House Planned

Published January 26, 2026 at 8:48AM | Updated January 26, 2026 at 9:05AM

This meeting was at the new visitors center on Caroline Street. [Photo: Mike Salmon]

“The Fredericksburg Visitor Center will host a Fredericksburg 250 Open House on Monday, February 2, 2026, from 5–7 p.m. at 601 Caroline Street,” City of Fredericksburg announced. “Join us as we kick off the City’s year-long commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.”

“The public is invited to this open house, which will bring together Fredericksburg museums, historical organizations, and community partners to share information about upcoming programs, exhibits, and volunteer opportunities connected to Fredericksburg’s role in the nation’s history,” the city stated.

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State police respond to hundreds of crashes during Virginia winter storm

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 26, 2026 at 1:00AM | Updated January 26, 2026 at 12:36PM

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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Fairfax County Crash Claims Life Amid 378 Wrecks in Virginia Winter Storm

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 9:39PM

Virginia State Police called to a crash.

A fatal crash in Fairfax County led to Virginia State Police activity during a winter storm that continued to blanket much of the state Sunday. Officials said the crash, which occurred Saturday night, is not believed to be weather-related. No other details were immediately provided.

Despite the weather not playing a role in that fatal crash, the storm has created hazardous driving conditions statewide. From Saturday into Sunday night, troopers responded to 378 crashes, including 28 with injuries, as snow and ice made travel dangerous. Officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads through Monday morning.

Fredericksburg

City Offices Close for Winter Weather

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 25, 2026 at 9:33PM

A Fredericksburg Regional Transit bus serves a bus stop at the Stafford County Courthouse. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/Potomac Local News]

“All courts are CLOSED on Monday, January 26,” the City of Fredericksburg Government stated, adding that General District Court, Circuit Court and Clerk’s Office, and Juvenile and Domestic Courts are affected.

City officials said multiple services and facilities will be closed due to winter weather, including Fredericksburg City Public Schools, the Fredericksburg Public Library, the Dorothy Hart Community Center, FXBGO!, and the Eagle Express Service. The Visitor Center and regional landfill will also close on Monday.

Prince William

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

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 25, 2026 at 4:15PM

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.

Manassas

Manassas Park Urges Clearing Fire Hydrants

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 25, 2026 at 3:57PM

[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.

Business

Downtown Manassas Businesses Adjust for Snow

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 25, 2026 at 3:52PM

City officials said weather conditions are affecting staffing and operations, with some businesses able to open if employees live within walking distance. Others have chosen to close for the day due to road and safety concerns.

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VDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Home

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 25, 2026 at 3:47PM

[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.

Prince William

Prince William County Offices Closed Monday

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 25, 2026 at 3:41PM

“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.