Weather - Page 5 of 17 - Potomac Local News

PWCS Cancels Weekend School Activities

Published January 23, 2026 at 11:44PM

“All school and non-school activities scheduled in Prince William County Public Schools or on school grounds are canceled after 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, and all day Sunday, January 25,” Prince William County Public Schools announced. “This includes team practices, club meetings, interscholastic and athletic contests, and community use.”

The cancellations are due to expected hazardous winter weather conditions and apply to all school-related and community activities held on PWCS property during the affected times.

FCPS Buildings Close for Winter Storm

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 11:40PM

“All FCPS buildings and school facilities will be closed beginning at 4:00 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, January 24, through Sunday, January 25,” Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced. “More information regarding school on Monday will be shared as it becomes available.”

“Expect to be indoors, as people are advised to remain off the roads,” the division added, noting families should also prepare for possible power outages due to ice and downed power lines.

Weekend Stafford School Events Canceled

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 11:38PM

“We are closely monitoring weather forecasts that indicate significant snowfall beginning later this weekend,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “At this time, all activities and events scheduled after 5 pm on Saturday and all day Sunday are cancelled.”

“Due to the current cold weather advisory and anticipated extreme temperatures, the Community Health and Wellness Fair (including the Polar Pals Fun Run) has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 7.”

Stafford County Courts Closed Monday

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 11:36PM

“NOTICE: All Stafford County Courts will be CLOSED on Monday, January 26, 2026,” Stafford County Government announced. “Please note, this is just the Courts at this time.”

The closure applies only to Stafford County courts. No other county government offices or services were included in the announcement.

Manassas Park Declares Snow Emergency

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 12:46PM

“A local snow emergency will be in effect for the City of Manassas Park starting at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026 until 12:00 p.m., Monday, January 26, 2026,” the City of Manassas Park announced. “As part of preparatory actions to ensure an effective snow response, a parking prohibition is in effect on all snow emergency routes starting 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026.”

City officials designated multiple snow emergency routes where on-street parking is prohibited during the emergency, including Manassas Drive, Denver Drive, Digital Drive, Polk Drive, Carondelet Drive, Matthew Drive, Conner Drive, and Euclid Avenue. The city said it will announce when parking restrictions are lifted once road conditions return to normal or the emergency ends.

Cold Weather Advisory: Dangerous Wind Chills Tonight into Saturday Morning

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 10:36AM

A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for the region as dangerously cold air settles in tonight. Wind chills are expected to drop as low as 9 below zero, making it feel bitterly cold outdoors. These conditions increase the risk of hypothermia for anyone exposed for long periods without proper protection. Residents are urged to bundle up and limit time outside when possible.

Outlook

Airport Shows New Snow Equipment

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 9:25AM

Manassas Regional Airport is highlighting new and upgraded snow removal equipment as the region prepares for winter weather. Airport officials say the fleet includes a new front-end loader for clearing ramps and loading snow, along with snow brooms, blowers, and a recently acquired Oshkosh plow truck to keep runways and taxiways clear during snow and ice.

The airport says its large snow blower can move tons of snow per hour during heavy snowfall, helping maintain operations during winter storms. Most of the equipment was obtained through auctions or donations from larger airports, with officials noting that future eligibility for state and federal grants could allow new purchases once the airport becomes a commercial service facility. This update comes as a winter storm is expected to affect the region.

Limited Parking at Park and Ride Lots

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 9:15AM

“Limited parking spaces will be available for ridesharing starting this weekend in two Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Park and Ride lots in the Fredericksburg area due to winter weather operations,” VDOT announced. “The number of available parking spaces will be significantly reduced.”

“Parking is anticipated to remain limited into next week, depending on the status of snow removal operations,” the agency added. “No vehicles remaining in the lot will be removed as part of this storm event.”

Ice Threat Grows In Weekend Storm

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 9:04AM

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.

Key Takeaways

Stafford Schools Identified as Shelters

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 23, 2026 at 8:50AM | Updated January 23, 2026 at 1:16PM

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.