Author: Potomac Local News

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.

UVA Health says it is taking several steps to prepare for the approaching winter storm, including readying crews to clear parking lots and sidewalks and arranging on-site and hotel accommodations for staff who may be unable to travel home after their shifts.

Hospital leaders in Manassas and Haymarket say they are also working to discharge inpatients as early as safely possible ahead of the storm to free up capacity. In addition, UVA Health has begun reviewing patient appointments and hours of operation for this weekend and into next week. While no rescheduling has started yet at Prince William and Culpeper County locations, officials say patients may be contacted in the coming days to reschedule clinic visits and non-urgent procedures.

Prince William County Public Schools says it is closely monitoring the forecast for this weekend as a major winter storm threatens the region. Any decisions on delays or closures will be based on guidance from emergency management, meteorologists, and state highway officials, along with inspections of roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and bus lanes across the county.

School officials say they try to make weather-related decisions as early as possible to give families time to plan. In most cases, a decision is made the night before, or by no later than 4:30 a.m. on the morning of a closure if conditions remain uncertain. Once a decision is made, notifications will be shared quickly through multiple communication channels.

Marine Corps Base Quantico says its operating status will be updated as forecasted winter weather approaches and impacts base operations this weekend. Officials are urging personnel and visitors to regularly check official channels for the latest information.

Updates will be posted on the base’s weather webpage, social media accounts, and sent through the MCB Quantico Mass Notification System as conditions evolve. The base also shared winter weather preparedness resources from surrounding local governments.

Manassas Regional Airport says it is actively monitoring a forecasted snow event expected to impact the region this weekend. Airport officials say crews, contractors, and specialized equipment are ready to respond if winter weather affects operations, with a focus on reopening runways as quickly as possible after snowfall ends.

The airport operates under an FAA-approved Snow and Ice Control Plan that outlines priorities during winter weather events. Airport stakeholders are encouraged to monitor NOTAMs, the airport’s website, and official social media channels for the latest operational updates as the storm approaches.