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.
Weather
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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.
City officials said weather conditions are affecting staffing and operations, with some businesses able to open if employees live within walking distance. Others have chosen to close for the day due to road and safety concerns.
“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.
Snowfall totals across Prince William County and Fredericksburg reached between five and seven inches by Sunday afternoon as a winter storm brought a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the region.
Key Takeaways
The snow emergency runs from noon Saturday, January 24, through noon Monday, January 26. Vehicles parked on designated snow emergency routes during that time are subject to towing to allow crews to clear roads safely. A full list of affected streets is posted on the city’s website.
“City Manager Carl Cole has determined that a snow emergency will be in effect for the City of Manassas Park starting at 12:00PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, until 12:00PM Monday, January 26, 2026,” Manassas Park Police announced. “This is subject to change based on weather conditions.”
The snow emergency goes into effect at noon Saturday and restricts parking on designated snow emergency routes across the city through Monday at noon. Officials said the action aligns with the Governor of Virginia’s declared state of emergency and is intended to allow crews to clear roads safely. An announcement will be issued when restrictions are lifted.