PWCS Closes Schools Under Code Red
“All Prince William County Public Schools and Offices will be closed Code Red,” Prince William County Public Schools announced. “Code Red: Schools closed for students and employees (Exception: Inclement Weather Employees).”
“Staying off the roads will also provide space for crews removing snow today on primary roads and high-volume secondary roads,” the agency added. (Virginia Department of Transportation)
VDOT crews are actively working around the clock to plow and treat roads after a winter storm left many low-volume secondary roads snow-covered and icy. Interstates and major routes are priority for snow and ice removal before crews shift focus to smaller secondary and residential roads. Drivers should check 511Virginia for current road conditions before traveling. (Virginia Department of Transportation)
As cold weather continues across the region, Prince William County Fire and Rescue officials are warning residents to stay off the ice on local waterways. Despite appearances, ice in the area is rarely thick or stable enough for safe recreation.
“Gate 4 (Russell Road/Commissary Gate) is open and operating its normal hours,” Marine Corps Base Quantico announced. “As a reminder: Gate 6 (Onville Road/TBS Gate) is still closed until further notice.”
“The base is still in a Code Red status, essential personnel only,” the installation stated. “The roads remain slick and drivers are encouraged to exercise caution and avoid driving if possible.”
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
