The latest on the winter storm

Know now: Our full list of closures

Potomac Local will keep you updated on the latest winter weather information, including forecasts, closings and outages in the area.

4:41p.m.

Stafford County Public Schools are closed on February 18. Employees are Code 2.

For Stafford County employees, liberal leave is in effect for Wed., Feb. 18. Admin offices opening up at 10 AM.

 

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is reporting that many of the roadways are now clear.

More from a VDOT release:

Motorists will find clear travel lanes and ramps on Interstate 95 in the Fredericksburg area, and commuter parking lots are being cleared and treated for tomorrow morning’s rush hour.

Primary roads and high-volume secondary roads in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula are mostly clear, with isolated areas of snow and ice remaining. 

This afternoon, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews pivoted to plowing subdivision streets and low-volume secondary roads. Crews are making steady progress now, and work will continue in residential areas overnight. Crews will be plowing and spreading sand for extra traction. 

Any remaining moisture on the roads this evening is expected to re-freeze. Crews will be applying chemicals to the road to melt ice and improve traction, especially on areas likely to freeze due to lower pavement temperatures. Motorists are advised to use additional caution on hills, curves, bridges, overpasses, and interstate ramps. 

3:04p.m.

As a result of improved road conditions, PRTC buses will resume service.  

More from a PRTC release:

PRTC’s Winter Weather Emergency Service Plan, ESP (including Snow Routing), will be in effect for the remainder of TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17. BUSES WILL BEGIN OPERATING AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00 NOON, then continue as close to published schedules as conditions permit.  Rides on PRTC buses will be FREE.  

These locations along OmniLink Routes are currently NOT SERVICEABLE:

The Ferlazzo Building will not be served.

River Ridge Boulevard and Powells Creek Boulevard will not be served. Buses will serve stops on Route 1.

Darbydale Avenue will not be served. Buses will serve stops on Dale Boulevard.

Old Triangle Road will not be served .  Buses will serve stops on Route 1.

The Town of Quantico will not be served. The stop at Fuller and Route 1 outside the Quantico gate will be served as the timepoint.

12:30 p.m. 

Your photos and videos: 

 

 

9:18 a.m. 

The National Weather Service has issued some snow totals for various spots in the region. 

...PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY...
   5 S MANASSAS           5.0   430 AM  2/17  BROADCAST MEDIA         
   GREENWICH              4.8   808 AM  2/17  PUBLIC                  
   GAINESVILLE            4.0   700 AM  2/17  PUBLIC                  
   2 SW WOOLSEY           3.9   519 AM  2/17  TRAINED SPOTTER         
   3 NNW WOOLSEY          3.5   802 AM  2/17  TRAINED SPOTTER   

...STAFFORD COUNTY...
   2 WNW ROSEVILLE        6.0   500 AM  2/17  TRAINED SPOTTER         
   2 ENE ROSEVILLE        5.2   543 AM  2/17  TRAINED SPOTTER        

...CITY OF MANASSAS...
   1 NE MANASSAS          4.8   811 AM  2/17  TRAINED SPOTTER         
   1 SW MANASSAS PARK     4.2   726 AM  2/17  TRAINED SPOTTER         

 

9:05 a.m. 

Manassas City canceled trash pick up today due to snow. Here’s the latest info: 

City of Manassas Public Works recommends the following tips to help ensure trash is contained during bad weather conditions.

• Set trash and recycling out in hard-sided containers with tight fitting lids. If you have a smaller recycling bin, make sure that heavier items are on top, so that papers and lighter objects don’t blow away.

• Do not set out loose trash bags.  Loose trash bags can rip and blow into the street making it unsafe for drivers and pedestrians. Always use your trash and recycling containers.

• Double bag your trash. Cold weather and ice can weaken plastic and make it brittle. Double bagging can prevent bags from sticking to the bottom of the trash cart and from ripping as the trash crew moves the trash to the truck.

• Check with your collection service. Snow, ice and high winds can delay or suspend service. Remember that the trash crew must navigate through many private residential areas and roads that might be untreated and unsafe for crews to collect trash and recycling. Call the Manassas Trashline or check the manassascity.org/trash for trash information.

• When in doubt – don’t set it out.  If it’s snowing heavily, if  there are high winds, or if it’s so icy that you stand the chance of slipping or falling as you set out your trash and recycling – then don’t do it. Call the Trashline for the latest trash pick-up updates. Trash collection was cancelled Feb. 17 due to snow and may be cancelled in the future due to road conditions associated with winter weather.

9 a.m. 

 

8:51 a.m.

It was so cold yesterday at Washington Dulles International Airport, a new record cold temperature was set. A record low of 16 degrees was recorded, breaking the previous record of 22 degrees in 2003.

8:37 a.m. 

8:36 a.m.

8:33 a.m.

Roads are snow covered and slick. If possible stay off roads allowing VDOT crews a chance to plow.

— StaffordCoSheriff (@staffcosheriff) February 17, 2015

8:20 a.m.

Authorities say you should stay off the roads today if you can. Conditions are pretty bad on the street surfaces, as the snow and ice could lead to slick conditions causing you to slide off the road or into another car.

Here’s the latest from the Northern Virginia headquarters of the Virginia Department of Transportation:

• HOV restrictions are lifted on I-66, I-395 and the Dulles Toll Road. HOV-3 requirements still apply on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.
• Eastbound I-66 X lanes will be unavailable for the morning rush hour, as crews continue to clear shoulders.
• Crews continue to clear interstates, major roads and neighborhood streets concurrently. Check www.vdotplows.org to see the status of plowing in neighborhoods.
• If you can, park in your driveway or on the odd-numbered side of the street to allow plows room to pass.
• After a plow has passed, roads will be passable, but will not be bare pavement and may remain snow-packed.
• Stay off the roads or delay trips to allow crews time to safely treat the roads.

Posts from Monday, Feb. 16 are below

10:47 p.m.

10:33 p.m.

The PRTC will be following the Winter Weather Emergency Service Plan for February 17. Buses will not operate until 9a.m., and transit services will continue as close to the schedule as the weather will permit. All rides on the PRTC buses tomorrow will be free. Omni Ride buses will not operate. More closings.

10:30 p.m.

10:22 p.m.

Fort Belvoir offices are closed February 17. Emergency and telework-ready employees must follow their agency’s policies. Non-emergency employees will be granted excused absence (administrative leave) for the number of hours they were scheduled to work.  Telework-ready employees who are scheduled to perform telework on the effective day of the announcement or who are required to perform telework on a day when Federal offices are closed must telework the entire workday or request leave, or a combination of both, in accordance with their agencies’ policies. More closings.

10:15 p.m.

All federal government offices in Washington D.C. will be closed on February 17. Emergency and telework-ready employees required to work must follow their agency’s policies, including written telework agreements. More closings.

9:46 p.m. 

 

9:45 p.m.

City of Manassas government is closed February 17, and is on liberal leave.

Northern Virginia Community College day and evening classes and activities are canceled February 17. All campuses and administrative offices are closed. More closings.

9:31 p.m.

Quantico Marine Corps. base is closed for normal operation, only emergency and essential personnel are expected to report to work tomorrow February 17. More closings.

8:23 p.m.

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Virginia State Police troopers and dispatchers statewide have fielded 901 calls for service as the storm system moves into the Commonwealth. During the four hour period statewide, Virginia troopers responded to 380 traffic crashes and 191 disabled vehicles. The majority of the crashes involved damaged vehicles only. No fatalities have been reported.

As of 8:30 p.m., State Troopers are responding to another 120 traffic crashes across the Commonwealth. All but a few involve injuries.

7:56 p.m.

According to NOVEC, one residence in Prince William County is currently experiencing an outage.

 

Dominion Power has resolved many outages in Stafford – currently there is one home in Stafford that has an outage, and now there are 16 homes in Prince William County experiencing outages.

 

Fort Belvoir declared roads on post at AMBER.

7:41 p.m.

Stafford County Government offices will open two hours late on February 17. Liberal leave is in effect for employees.

6:48 p.m.

The VRE has not made a decision as to whether to delay or cancel service tomorrow. They intend to continue to monitor the weather through the night, and a final decision will be made in the morning, no later than 4a.m.

5:56 p.m.

The DOD Schools on Quantico Marine Corps. Base will be closed February 17. More closings.

5:45 p.m.

Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County have all announced that their schools will be closed tomorrow, February 17. More closings.

 

According to Dominion Power, Stafford is currently experiencing outages in 25 residences.

 

Manassas Park is currently in Code Red, and have declared a snow emergency from 4p.m. tonight until 9p.m. February 17. There are several park restrictions on snow emergency routes.

More from the Manassas Park website:

The following streets have been designated as snow emergency routes:

Manassas Drive from Baker Street to Golf Court;

Denver Drive from Manassas Drive to Rugby Road;

Digital Drive from Manassas Drive to West Carondelet Drive.

Matthew Drive  

West Carondelet Drive 

Polk Drive from Manassas Drive to Old Centreville Road.

The parking of any vehicles during this snow emergency on the above mentioned streets shall be prohibited. Vehicles in violation during this incident will be ticketed and subject to towing at owners expense.

5:07 p.m.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has issued another release on road conditions, due to the winter weather.

More from a VDOT release:

Steady snowfall is underway across the Fredericksburg District this evening, and Interstate 95 and primary roads have large patches of snow coverage, and many subdivision streets are completely snow-covered.

Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travel tonight and tomorrow morning, as road conditions may be hazardous. Checkwww.511Virginia.org, or download VDOT’s 511Virginia free mobile app to find real-time road conditions in any area of the state.

Heavy, persistent snowfall forecast for tonight means VDOT crews will concentrate on plowing and treating roads that carry the most traffic, such as I-95, primary roads, and key secondary roads. Once these roads are clear, crews can begin to clear an initial path into subdivisions. VDOT’s goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours of a storm’s end.

How You Can Help:

Stay off the roads during the storm to let crews clear a path for vehicles and apply sand, salt, and chemicals.  

If possible, park vehicles in driveways and remove obstructions from the street

Shovel snow from your driveway to the right as you face the street. This will minimize the snow pushed into your driveway by plows clearing the road. Consider waiting to shovel the last several feet closest to the street until after plows have passed.

5 p.m.

All Stafford County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, February 17, 2015.  Employees are Code 1. More closings.

4 p.m.

Stafford County has issued a release on how to deal with your pipes if they become frozen during the winter storm.

If you didn’t take measures to prevent pipe freezing and it happened to you, here’s some helpful hints: 
Find the closest cold water tap to the frozen pipe, and open it. That will relieve some of the expansion pressure caused by ice.
Use warm wet towels wrapped around the pipe to thaw it. Caution: do not use torches, hair dryers or household electric blankets!
Find your whole-house or main water shut-off valve in case you need to use it.
If all else fails, we can be reached after-hours, weekends and holidays at (540) 658-4857. We don’t do household plumbing repairs, but we do make house calls and can shut water off at the meter.

3:30 p.m.

Closings/Delays:

Prince William County Schools afternoon and evening activities are cancelled beginning at 3p.m. today.

No School for all Stafford County Schools in observance of President’s Day.

Manassas City School afternoon and evening activities are cancelled beginning at 3p.m. today.

Northern Virginia Community College campuses will close at 5 p.m. More closings.

 

Outages:

None at this time.

Dominion Power did issue a winter weather alert, stating:

Alert: Prepare for a wintery mix this evening. Be ready — charge mobile devices, bookmark our web/mobile site, and add us to your contact list: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357). Visit us for updates!

 

Transit:

MetroAccess paratransit service will be suspended as of 6 p.m. February 16 and all day on February 17.

VRE will not operate service on Monday February 16th, 2015 in observance of President’s Day. Service will resume on Tuesday, February 17th.

 

The City of Manassas has declared a snow emergency that begins at 12a.m. tonight. This means all cars parked along snow emergency routes may be towed.

Manassas snow emergency routes in the City of Manassas are as follows: Dumfries Road/Route 234, Hastings Drive, Godwin Drive, Liberia Avenue, Richmond Avenue, Fairview Avenue, Grant Avenue, Wellington Road, Ashton Avenue, Cockrell Road, Nokesville Road/Route 28, Center Street, Prescott Avenue, Sudley Road/Route 234, Church Street, Zebedee Street, Centreville Road/Route 28, Mathis Avenue, Portner Avenue and Euclid Avenue.

 

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has 900 pieces of plowing equipment, ready for use in the area, as snow continues to fall this afternoon. VDOT pre-treated main roadways yesterday and other primary and secondary roads were pre-treated as well.

 

The Virginia State Police is asking that all drivers delay any plans to travel on the roads today and tomorrow morning. Because the forecast shows continued freezing temperatures, the snow and ice accumulation is expected to last for a few days, and this will make road conditions treacherous.

More driving tips from a Virginia State Police release:

Make sure you and your car are properly equipped:

Make sure your vehicle has ample antifreeze, the windshield is clean and you have plenty of windshield washer fluid.

Check to make sure the headlights are clean and in working order. In Virginia, state law requires you to use your headlights when operating your windshield wipers.

Verify that the tires have tread and are properly inflated.

Have your battery tested, to avoid being stranded in the cold with a car that won’t start.

Equip your car with a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, warm clothes, bottled water, snacks, and a blanket.

Remember to have sunglasses in the car, as the glare of the sun off of snow and ice can be more intense in the winter than it is in the summer.

Perhaps the most important of all: Remember your cell phone, so you can call #77 to reach State Police in case of emergency. Bring your phone charger, too!

Slow down and drive to save lives (#drivetosavelives). ALWAYS wear your seat belt, as this will minimize injuries in case you lose control on icy road conditions and slide off the highway.

Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and unnecessary lane changes. These maneuvers can cause your vehicle to lose traction and can launch you into an uncontrollable skid, leading to a collision.

Do not tailgate as you will need additional space between vehicles for safe stopping and maneuvering on slick roadways.