Weather

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.

“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.

Stafford County Fire and Rescue officials say the department is actively preparing for a winter storm expected to have major impacts across the area this weekend. The department plans to staff additional apparatus for the duration of the storm, including plows to help clear routes so emergency vehicles can respond safely as call volume increases.

Fire and rescue leaders, along with the Stafford County Office of Emergency Management, are urging residents to prepare now. Officials recommend having at least three days of food and water, ensuring backup supplies for medical equipment such as oxygen, refilling prescription medications, and keeping an emergency kit with food, water, and blankets in vehicles.

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative says it is preparing for a winter storm expected to impact its entire service territory from Friday through Sunday. The utility has placed additional line crews, system operators, and support staff on standby in anticipation of possible power outages caused by snow, sleet, freezing rain, and falling trees.

NOVEC officials say restoration teams will remain fully staffed throughout the storm. Customers are urged to report outages as soon as they occur and to use caution around utility crews working in hazardous conditions. The utility also reminds residents to avoid downed power lines and limit travel as conditions worsen.