Stafford County has canceled its annual Christmas tree lighting, scheduled for Friday, December 5, 2025, due to winter weather moving into the region.
County officials announced the decision Friday, telling residents, “Due to inclement weather, the Stafford County Tree Lighting has been canceled. We thank you for your understanding. Please stay weather aware.” The announcement was shared on social media, including the county’s Facebook page.
“Our campuses will open at 11 a.m. today,” the college said in a social-media post. “This includes all campuses and administrative offices.”
The “Code Yellow” means the college is delaying its opening — buildings, classrooms and offices will become accessible one hour before 11 a.m., and any in-person or Zoom classes scheduled to start before 11 a.m. are canceled. (Northern Virginia Community College)
“All schools are closed and all activities are cancelled on Friday, December 5, due to the forecast for hazardous weather conditions,” Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced. “Slick icy roads and sidewalks are expected in the area.” “Be safe and have a fun snow day, FCPS.”
The division outlined Code Red procedures, noting that school is closed for students and staff, 12-month employees should not report, and essential workers should contact supervisors about report times.
“All Manassas Park City Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, December 5th, due to forecasted snowy conditions,” Manassas Park City Schools announced. “Code red for employees.”
The division said the closure affects all schools and staff operations as winter weather is expected to impact travel.
“Due to the forecasted inclement weather, all Manassas City Public Schools and offices will be closed Friday, December 5, 2025,” Manassas City Public Schools announced. “Code Blue for employees. AlphaBest is also cancelled.”
The division said the closure applies to all schools, administrative offices, and before- and after-school programs.
“Due to the forecast of inclement weather, all Prince William County Public Schools will open two hours late on Friday, December 5, 2025,” Prince William County Public Schools announced.
The delay affects all students and staff division-wide. Morning transportation and school-based operations will follow the modified schedule.
“All schools and offices will be closed on Dec. 5, 2025,” Spotsylvania County Public Schools announced. “12-Month Employees Code 1 – essential personnel report to perform emergency services as necessary.” The division added, “All school and non-school activities, day and evening, including student externships are canceled.”
The closure applies to all students and staff across the division, with only essential employees reporting as directed for emergency operations.
“Due to the current winter weather advisory & anticipated adverse weather conditions, Stafford Schools will be closed on Dec 5,” Stafford County Public Schools announced. “All activities & events scheduled for Friday are cancelled.”
The division cited hazardous forecasts as the reason for the closure, affecting all school operations and extracurricular events planned for Friday.
“Brian J. Cole, Jr., 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arrested this morning and charged for transporting and planting two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on January 5, 2021, at the headquarters of both the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee in Washington D.C.,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced. “Cole is charged in a complaint unsealed today with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce with the intent to kill, injure, or intimidate any individual or unlawfully to damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other real or personal property.”
“He is also charged with attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials,” the office added.
Three people were hurt in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County on the morning of December 2. The crash happened around 8:54 a.m. on the southbound side of the highway near the 120-mile marker, according to Virginia State Police.
Investigators say the crash started when a Nissan Kicks hydroplaned on wet pavement and struck a guardrail. The Kicks then spun out and collided with a Toyota Highlander, which was subsequently hit by a tractor-trailer.
