The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for portions of Washington, D.C., central Maryland, and northern Virginia. The warning is effective from 10 p.m. Sunday, January 5, through 1 a.m. Tuesday, January 7.
The National Weather Service said we should expect:
- Snow and sleet accumulation between 5 and 9 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 12 inches in heavy snow bands.
- Light ice accumulation is possible near Interstate 66.
- Snow will begin late Sunday, intensify overnight, and may mix with sleet and freezing rain on Monday morning. A lull in precipitation is expected during the afternoon.
Roads, bridges, and overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous, making travel difficult. Monday morning and evening commutes are expected to be affected.
Travelers are urged to postpone non-essential travel. If travel is unavoidable, prepare a winter storm kit, including tire chains, flashlights, food, water, blankets, and other emergency supplies. Stay informed by checking road conditions and monitoring weather updates.
This potent winter storm stems from a complex weather system involving a closed upper low and a surface low tracking eastward. The storm will bring an initial burst of snow Sunday night, with snowfall rates of 1–2 inches per hour in the heaviest bands. On Monday, warmer air may introduce a mix of sleet and freezing rain, particularly south of I-66 and U.S. Route 50.
Uncertainty remains regarding the exact path of the system, with models presenting differing scenarios. Regardless, significant snow and mixed precipitation impacts are expected for most of the region.
Preparedness Tips:
- Postpone non-essential travel.
- Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and stocked with emergency supplies.
- Stay informed by monitoring updates from the National Weather Service and local authorities.
This storm is shaping up to be a significant event. Stay tuned to Potomac Local News for updates as the situation evolves.
Residents across Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Woodbridge should brace for what could be the most significant winter storm in years, with snow accumulations of 4 to 12 inches forecasted. The storm is set to begin Sunday afternoon, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain through Monday and potentially into early Tuesday.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency for Virginia, mobilizing state resources to prepare for hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service reports that the storm's impact will depend on its track, with a northern trajectory bringing more ice and a southern track resulting in heavier snow across the area.
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Miranda Cormack, the proud mother, welcomed her son, Colson James Cormack, at 2:43 a.m. on January 1, 2025. Colson weighed in at seven pounds and four ounces and measured 20 inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Victor R. Khayat, with assistance from nurse Kiani Hudgens, RN, and a dedicated team of medical staff, according to a press release.
According to the press release, the delivery team shared their excitement in welcoming the first baby of the year, playing a special role in this milestone for the Cormack family. Colson will reside with his family in Warrenton, where they are looking forward to new adventures and memories in the year ahead.
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All work is scheduled, weather permitting. That's a big "if," with at least two to four inches of snow forecast for the region. Updated information is available online.
Stafford County
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Monica Gary, who represents the Aquia District on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, announced she will step down at the end of her term on December 31, 2025. Gary, elected in 2021, shared her decision in a statement posted to Facebook emphasizing family and faith as her priorities moving forward.
“As we enter the New Year and I spend time mindfully with my family, I’m reminded of how quickly life passes us by,” Gary wrote. She highlighted her family's milestones, including her children’s graduations and her desire to be more present for her loved ones. "This is also a time for me to deepen my relationship with the Lord and prepare for whatever comes next."
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With a major snowstorm expected to impact the region starting Sunday, January 5, 2024, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) updated the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on its winter storm preparations late last month.
Andrew Thorpe, Assistant Resident Engineer, presented an overview of VDOT's snow removal strategies during a recent meeting, emphasizing readiness across Stafford and neighboring counties.
The upcoming storm, fueled by a low-pressure system moving west to east, is forecast to bring significant wintry precipitation to the area. Snow is likely across most of the region, with sleet and freezing rain expected in southern areas late Sunday.
The system will exit the region by late Monday or early Tuesday.
Thorpe outlined VDOT's preparations, which include the allocation of $220 million statewide for snow removal and deployment of over 900 pieces of snow removal equipment across Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties. Stafford County alone will see more than 260 hired snow removal units, alongside VDOT-owned equipment. Crews have stockpiled 29,000 tons of salt and sand and 58,000 gallons of salt brine for pre-treatment. Preparations began in July with contractor coordination and continued with a recent dry run to finalize plans. VDOT's tiered approach prioritizes clearing Interstate 95, primary roads, and access to public safety facilities before moving to high-volume secondary roads and subdivisions. During severe storms, plows focus on making roads passable for emergency vehicles, with follow-up efforts to fully clear roadways as conditions improve. Thorpe emphasized the importance of technology, including GPS tracking on equipment, which allows for real-time monitoring of plowing progress. Residents can access live updates on v.plows.org and view road conditions through the 511 website and app. He also encouraged drivers to stay off the roads during severe weather, ensure their vehicles are winter-ready, and use proper shoveling techniques to minimize re-blocking driveways after plows pass. The Board of Supervisors thanked VDOT for its proactive planning and dedication to keeping roads safe. Residents with concerns or inquiries can contact VDOT’s 24/7 customer service center at 1-800-4-ROAD.An elevated winter storm threat is expected late Sun.-Mon. There is increasing confidence in regards to potential travel impacts & closures, especially for the Monday commute. More detailed snow & ice totals will be provided within the next 24 hrs at https://t.co/ZOlvEShgSf. pic.twitter.com/g1dU0K8xvh
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 2, 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you, our loyal members. Your support empowers us to continue telling the stories that matter most to our communities. Our mission to provide trustworthy, impactful journalism wouldn’t be possible without you.
I also want to take a moment to thank our dedicated contributing editors and reporters. Their tireless work ensures we cover the stories that shape our neighborhoods and impact our daily lives. Some of their incredible efforts are highlighted in our list of 2024’s most-read stories.
To my surprise, every single one of this year’s most-read stories comes from Stafford County. This signals something exciting: Stafford County is a fast-growing area and a community eager for reliable news and information. In response, we will continue to focus on Stafford County while maintaining strong coverage across Prince William County and the cities of Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Manassas Park.
The 2024 election underscored a critical truth—people are turning to trusted sources for news across multiple platforms. With that in mind, we’re excited to expand our video podcast, or “Vodcast,” and bring more social media content, including our new TikTok platform, which I’m launching. Stay tuned for updates as we bring you fresh ways to engage with the stories that matter most to you.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks an incredible milestone: our 15th year of publishing. We’re thrilled about what tomorrow will bring and are honored to have you on this journey.
Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to another year of impactful journalism.
Happy New Year,
Uriah Kiser
Founder & Publisher, Potomac Local News
The Stafford County Public Schools Career Pathways Program creates new opportunities for students to explore career possibilities, acquire real-world skills, and prepare for workforce or higher education success. Open to rising ninth graders and high school students; this initiative provides a wide array of specialty centers and pathways that cater to diverse interests and aspirations.
The Career Pathways Program is designed to align with the Stafford County School Board's strategic plan by offering thematic specialty centers at local high schools. Each center focuses on specific career fields, ensuring students receive tailored education and experiences. For example:
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Death Investigation: Unconscious Man Found on Roadway
On December 28, at approximately 1:18 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Dale Boulevard and the I-95 northbound ramp in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate reports of an unconscious man in the roadway. A motorist passing through the area spotted the man and contacted emergency services. The 27-year-old was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators have yet to determine whether the man was struck by a vehicle or suffered injuries from another incident. An autopsy by the Medical Examiner's Office is pending to ascertain the cause of death. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. The investigation is ongoing.
