Potomac Local News

Chief LaBelle on Winter Storm: ‘Stay Off the Roads, Stay Safe’

Published January 5, 2025 at 11:49AM | Updated January 5, 2025 at 12:29PM

Prince William County Fire Chief Thomas LaBelle

As Northern Virginia braces for one of the most significant winter storms in years, Prince William County Fire Chief Thomas LaBelle urges residents to take safety precautions and avoid unnecessary risks. The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and dangerously cold temperatures, with snowfall rates possibly reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Chief LaBelle emphasized that preparation and caution are key as the storm approaches. “If you can stay off the roads, stay off the roads,” he said. “It allows the cleanup crews to move more quickly and get this mess gone as soon as possible. If you must drive, remember that bridges freeze first, and maintaining more distance between vehicles and driving slower makes everything safer.”

Manassas

Manassas Residents Advised to Limit On-Street Parking Ahead of Snowstorm

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 5, 2025 at 11:31AM

[Photo: Manassas City]

What You Need to Know:

Snow Emergency Routes: When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking will be prohibited on designated snow emergency routes. These streets are prioritized for plowing to ensure safe travel for residents and emergency vehicles. Check the city’s snow map at manassasva.gov/snowmap to see which roads are included and what will be plowed first.

Breaking News

Winter Storm Warning Update: Significant Snowfall Coming to the Region

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 5, 2025 at 9:08AM

Residents across the area are preparing for a major winter storm that is expected to bring significant snowfall beginning this evening and continuing into Tuesday. The National Weather Service has upgraded Winter Storm Watches to Warnings, signaling potential snow accumulations of 5 inches or more in many areas.

Current Conditions

Breaking News

Winter Storm Warning: 5 to 12 Inches of Snow Expected Across Region

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 4, 2025 at 4:43PM

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for portions of Washington, D.C., central Maryland, and northern Virginia. The warning is effective from 10 p.m. Sunday, January 5, through 1 a.m. Tuesday, January 7.

The National Weather Service said we should expect:

Fredericksburg

Winter Storm to Bring Major Snowfall and Ice to the Region

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 4, 2025 at 3:00PM

Residents across Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Woodbridge should brace for what could be the most significant winter storm in years, with snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches forecasted. The storm is set to begin Sunday afternoon, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain through Monday and potentially into early Tuesday.

Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency for Virginia, mobilizing state resources to prepare for hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service reports that the storm’s impact will depend on its track, with a northern trajectory bringing more ice and a southern track resulting in heavier snow across the area.

Manassas

First Baby of 2025 Delivered at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 4, 2025 at 10:38AM

Colson James Cormack [Photo: UVA Prince William Medical Center]

Miranda Cormack, the proud mother, welcomed her son, Colson James Cormack, at 2:43 a.m. on January 1, 2025. Colson weighed in at seven pounds and four ounces and measured 20 inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Victor R. Khayat, with assistance from nurse Kiani Hudgens, RN, and a dedicated team of medical staff, according to a press release.

According to the press release, the delivery team shared their excitement in welcoming the first baby of the year, playing a special role in this milestone for the Cormack family. Colson will reside with his family in Warrenton, where they are looking forward to new adventures and memories in the year ahead.

Fredericksburg

VDOT Hot Spots in the Fredericksburg District

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 4, 2025 at 10:30AM

Intestate 95 [Photo: VDOT]

All work is scheduled, weather permitting. That’s a big “if,” with at least two to four inches of snow forecast for the region. Updated information is available online.

Stafford County

News

Monica Gary Won’t Seek Re-election to Stafford County Board of Supervisors Amid Controversy

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 4, 2025 at 10:05AM | Updated January 4, 2025 at 10:48AM

Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, announced she will step down at the end of her term on December 31, 2025. Gary, elected in 2021, shared her decision in a statement posted to Facebook emphasizing family and faith as her priorities moving forward.

“As we enter the New Year and I spend time mindfully with my family, I’m reminded of how quickly life passes us by,” Gary wrote. She highlighted her family’s milestones, including her children’s graduations and her desire to be more present for her loved ones. “This is also a time for me to deepen my relationship with the Lord and prepare for whatever comes next.”

News

Circuit Court Clerk Married 18 Couples at ‘Seal the Deal’ Event

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published January 3, 2025 at 2:00PM

[Courtesy of the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, Jacqueline Smith]

On Dec. 13, 2024, Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith hosted a “Seal the Deal” event in the Town of Occoquan, where couples could get married without the hassle of planning an elaborate ceremony and reception.

According to a press release from the clerk, Smith married 18 couples during the event. Couples were able to marry in the decorated Occoquan Town Hall with family and friends. Each ceremony was intimate and festive as the hall was decorated for the holidays with festive lights.