A major winter storm forecast for late Saturday into Sunday is shifting toward a greater ice threat for Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Stafford County, and surrounding areas.
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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.
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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.
The Stafford Tourism & Business Marketing Summit has been rescheduled due to anticipated winter weather, with organizers moving the event to early February while keeping the same location and agenda.
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Prince William County has postponed its State of the County event scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, citing the potential for winter weather.
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“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.
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Public Works crews have already begun pre-treating roads and have significant resources on hand, including brine, salt, and sand, along with plow-equipped trucks and spreaders. Contractors are also on standby to assist with snow removal as conditions worsen.
Here’s the full update:
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The Town of Dumfries says it is actively preparing for the weekend’s winter storm, with Public Works, Police, and town leadership coordinating to maintain essential services and public safety. Officials say winter weather impacts are expected to begin Saturday evening and last through Sunday night, with heavy snow, mixed precipitation, and prolonged cold that could lead to refreezing into Monday.
Public Works plans to pre-treat roads with brine on Friday, monitor conditions Saturday afternoon, and fully mobilize town crews and contracted snow removal teams Saturday evening through Sunday morning. Continued snow removal and treatment will follow as conditions require. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm to allow crews and emergency responders to work safely.
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“Today, I am declaring a State of Emergency ahead of the winter weather event to ensure Virginia is fully prepared to respond and recover,” the Office of the Governor of Virginia announced. “Our top priority is the safety of every Virginian. State agencies are mobilized, and we are working closely with local governments and utility partners.”
The slow-moving winter storm is expected to arrive in western Virginia late Saturday morning, reach the I-95 corridor by Saturday evening, and continue affecting much of the Commonwealth through Sunday and into Monday morning, particularly east of I-95. State agencies, including VDOT and Virginia State Police, are preparing for hazardous travel conditions and potential delays in snow removal and emergency response.