What You Need to Know:
Snow Emergency Routes: When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking will be prohibited on designated snow emergency routes. These streets are prioritized for plowing to ensure safe travel for residents and emergency vehicles. Check the city’s snow map at manassasva.gov/snowmap to see which roads are included and what will be plowed first.
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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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"This modern approach to the wedding experience provided couples with an exclusive moment to marry— without the stress of planning an elaborate wedding, the burden of excessive costs or the pressure of social expectations," the press release stated.
In addition to "Seal the Deal," Occoquan hosted the Firelight Night event. Local businesses also donated wedding gifts for the couples to take home after their respective ceremonies. Smith will host her "Valentine's Day Bash" in February, which will be similar to the "Seal the Deal" event where couples can have an intimate ceremony. For more information, please visit the clerk's website or social media.
Prince William County Police Officer Latrell Guy, who was a member of the 50th class, said he now better appreciates the hardships people face in dealing with mental illness.
"I just have a better understanding of what the person themselves might be going through and get them the help they need rather than go to a more restrictive route," Guy said. "We need to understand what they have to live with and how we can help them get through their day. It’s something everyone should take in general to be more knowledgeable about these situations."
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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
Stafford Hospital also welcomed its first baby of the year, Miles Roy, born at 4:59 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 1.5 ounces. Miles’ parents, Jessica and Ken of Spotsylvania. He joins big brothers Garrett, 5, and Jackson, 2.
The hospital did not provide the last names of the parents.
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![[Courtesy of the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, Jacqueline Smith]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-12-13-Circuit-Court-Clerk-Jacqueline-Smith-Seal-the-Deal-event-at-Occoquan-e1735922682994-1200x840.jpeg){kind=link}
![[Courtesy of the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk, Jacqueline Smith]](https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-12-13-Circuit-Court-Jacqueline-Smith-Seal-the-Deal-event-at-Occoquan-1260x840.jpeg){kind=link}