Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS), the second-largest school division in Virginia, announced the closure of all schools and offices for Monday, January 6, 2025, due to a Winter Storm Warning. The announcement, posted on the division's official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, stated, "Due to Winter Storm Warning, all Prince William County Public Schools and Offices will be closed Code Red on Monday, January 6, 2025 (exception: Inclement Weather Employees). Weather conditions will be monitored throughout Monday, and an update will be provided as needed."
The closure affects over 90,000 students enrolled across the division's 100 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools and specialty programs. PWCS serves a diverse and growing population, providing academic, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities for students in Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
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Manassas Park City Schools (MPCS) announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, citing snowy conditions as the reason for the closure.
The announcement on the division's website stated, "All Manassas Park City Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 6th, due to snowy conditions. Code RED for employees."
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Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, due to forecasted inclement weather.
The announcement, shared on the district's official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, noted, "Manassas City Public Schools will be closed Jan. 6, 2025, due to forecasted inclement weather. Code BLUE for employees."
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Germanna Community College has announced the closure of all its locations on Monday, January 6, 2025, due to anticipated inclement weather. The announcement on the school's website states: "Due to anticipated inclement weather, all Germanna locations will be closed on Monday, January 6."
Serving more than 12,000 students annually, Germanna operates multiple campuses and centers across Virginia, including locations in Fredericksburg, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Stafford, and Caroline. The college provides a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certifications, and workforce training, to meet the needs of its diverse student body.
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Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) has announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, January 6, due to the impending winter storm expected to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions to the area. The announcement was made on the school division's official account on X, formerly Twitter.
"Fredericksburg City Public Schools will extend winter break by one day. This means all buildings will be closed on Monday, January 6. Tuesday, January 7, will be a staff workday. Students will report to school on Wednesday, January 8," the statement read.
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Regular classes will begin on Monday, January 13. In an earlier version of this post, we incorrectly reported that classes would be canceled on Monday, January 6.
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King George County Public Schools announced that all schools in the division will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, in anticipation of inclement weather. The announcement was made via X, formerly known as Twitter, citing concerns for the safety of students and staff.
The message stated:
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As Northern Virginia braces for one of the most significant winter storms in years, Prince William County Fire Chief Thomas LaBelle urges residents to take safety precautions and avoid unnecessary risks. The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and dangerously cold temperatures, with snowfall rates possibly reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Chief LaBelle emphasized that preparation and caution are key as the storm approaches. “If you can stay off the roads, stay off the roads,” he said. “It allows the cleanup crews to move more quickly and get this mess gone as soon as possible. If you must drive, remember that bridges freeze first, and maintaining more distance between vehicles and driving slower makes everything safer.”
The county’s fire and rescue teams have been mobilized to respond to emergencies during the storm. LaBelle noted that firefighters and EMTs are ready to assist but stressed the importance of residents preparing their homes and vehicles in advance. “Prepare now while the sun’s up,” he said. “If you think you’ll need a generator, set it up outside, get it gassed up, and make sure it works. Never run generators indoors or in garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.”
The chief also urged residents to clear sidewalks and shovel out fire hydrants near their homes, adding that shoveling should be done with care to prevent injuries. “It’s a great cardiovascular workout, so pace yourself. There’s no sense in hurting yourself in the process.”
LaBelle reflected on lessons learned from the 2021 winter storm that stranded motorists on Interstate 95 for hours. “Staying off the roadways is a huge piece of it,” he said. “VDoT [Virginia Department of Transportation] has a difficult time plowing when cars are on the road. If you don’t need to be out, stay home with a warm cup of coffee and a good book.”
Keeping Neighbors and Homes Safe
The chief encouraged residents to check on neighbors, particularly those who may be isolated or new to the area and unfamiliar with winter storms. “Reach out before the snow falls to let them know they can knock on your door if they need help,” he said.
For those using fireplaces or space heaters, LaBelle reminded residents to use them safely. “Keep space heaters at least three to four feet away from anything combustible and ensure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home,” he said.
Latest Storm Forecast
According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected to begin around 6 p.m. tonight, with heavy snowfall continuing overnight into Monday. Snowfall totals could range from 4 to 10 inches, with localized areas potentially receiving more. A secondary burst of snow is possible Monday night, and freezing rain or sleet may mix into some areas, reducing totals but increasing the risk of power outages and hazardous conditions.
Temperatures will drop into the teens by Tuesday night, leading to widespread refreezing and dangerous road conditions. Residents are advised to avoid travel and prepare for potential disruptions, including power outages and burst pipes.
Prince William County emergency crews and local agencies are on standby to assist residents, but Chief LaBelle stressed the importance of self-reliance. “Snowstorms like this can bring a community together,” he said. “But it’s up to each of us to prepare, stay safe, and look out for one another.”
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.
Limit On-Street Parking: Even before an official Snow Emergency is declared, residents are encouraged to limit on-street parking to facilitate plowing and snow removal efforts.
Reporting Issues: If you encounter snow-related concerns, call the Snowline at 703-257-8353 to report issues.
City’s Snow Removal Efforts
The City of Manassas Street Department is responsible for clearing over 254 lane miles of roadway. In addition to roads, the department ensures that public spaces are treated and cleared, including:
- City schools
- Commuter rail and public parking lots
- City Hall, Animal Shelter, Boys and Girls Club, Public Works Facility, Fire, Rescue, and Police facilities
City officials are asking for cooperation from residents to make snow removal safe and efficient. For more details on the city’s snow removal process, visit manassasva.gov/snow.
Here’s more information about when to expect the storm to begin, as well as early forecasted snow totals.
Please send us photos of the snow—text to 571-989-1695 or email them to us.
