The City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County have both announced water main breaks on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

From Fredericksburg, 10 p.m.:

There have been two water main breaks, one in the area of River Walk Street and Bakersfield Lane and the other in the area of Hanson Avenue and Woodford Street. The residents in both areas will be without water for an undetermined amount of time. We ask for your patience during this time.

From Stafford, 1 p.m.:

There is a water main break at 324 Warrenton Road. The far right westbound lane of Route 17 (Warrenton Road) is closed while repairs are made. Please be careful driving in the area as crews are out working to try to get the repair made as quickly as possible.

Fredericksburg Public Works staff has been actively preparing for the winter storm, applying nearly 3,000 gallons of brine solution to roads, bridges, and overpasses, with many treated at least twice. Crews have loaded salt and sand onto all available equipment and will patrol their routes starting at 8:00 p.m. Sunday.

Snow plowing will begin as soon as accumulation occurs, with priority given to main roads, including Route 1, Route 3, Fall Hill Avenue, Princess Anne Street, Caroline Street, and Lafayette Boulevard. Secondary streets will be addressed as conditions allow. Residents are urged to stay off the roads Sunday night and Monday to ensure crews and public safety personnel can operate without unnecessary obstacles.

Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FXBGO!) will operate on a 4-hour delay on Monday, January 6, due to inclement weather. Service may be further adjusted based on road conditions. Updates are available on the FXBGO! website or Facebook page.

Additionally, all City Government Offices and courts will be closed on Monday, January 6, due to the storm.

Here’s the full press release: Read More

The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has announced that its locations will be closed on Monday, January 6, in anticipation of severe weather. Library officials decided to prioritize the safety of staff and patrons as forecasts predict hazardous conditions throughout the region.

CRRL serves the communities of Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Westmoreland County through its network of branches. The library system offers an array of services, including access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and community events. With its mission to provide opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, the CRRL has become a cornerstone for residents seeking knowledge and enrichment.

In addition to traditional library services, CRRL provides resources such as free Wi-Fi, public computers, and meeting spaces for local organizations. The library also hosts a variety of programs catering to diverse audiences, including storytimes for children, technology training for adults, and book clubs for all ages.

While all physical locations will remain closed on Monday, many of the library’s digital services will still be available. Patrons can access eBooks, audiobooks, and other online resources through the library’s website. CRRL encourages the public to explore these offerings from the safety and comfort of their homes during inclement weather.

Due to the winter storm affecting our region and expected significant snow accumulation, Stafford County offices, facilities, courts, public schools, and both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025.

The Virginia Department of Transportation has urged motorists to stay off the roads due to hazardous conditions from snow and ice. The R-Board will monitor weather conditions and provide updates on their operating status through their website and social media channels. Emergency updates, links, and resources are available on Stafford’s emergency information page.

Manassas Park City Schools (MPCS) announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, citing snowy conditions as the reason for the closure.

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Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) announced that all schools will be closed on Monday, due to forecasted inclement weather.

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Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the largest community college in Virginia and one of the largest in the nation, has declared a "Code Purple" for Monday, January 6, 2025. All classes and services will be conducted online, with no in-person operations at any of the college's six campuses or satellite centers.

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Residents across the area are preparing for a major winter storm that is expected to bring significant snowfall beginning this evening and continuing into Tuesday. The National Weather Service has upgraded Winter Storm Watches to Warnings, signaling potential snow accumulations of 5 inches or more in many areas.

Current Conditions

The day began with sunny skies, but clouds are expected to increase throughout the afternoon as a powerful winter storm system approaches Oklahoma. High temperatures today will remain in the 30s, with colder conditions in higher elevations. Gusty west winds persist but are less intense than previous days.

Storm Timeline

This evening, snow may begin in the southwestern parts of the region after 3 p.m., though most areas will see precipitation start closer to 6 p.m. or later. Overnight, snowfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour during the storm’s peak intensity late tonight into Monday morning.

Snow will continue through Monday morning before becoming lighter in the afternoon as the storm weakens. A secondary burst of moderate to heavy snow is possible Monday night as the system’s upper-level low moves overhead. By Tuesday, lighter upslope snow showers may linger, with widespread refreezing expected overnight as temperatures drop into the teens.

Snowfall Predictions

The storm’s exact impact depends on several factors, including where the heaviest snow bands form and how far north warmer air intrudes. Northern Maryland could see lighter snowfall or potentially some of the highest totals if the northern snow bands intensify. Areas near the I-66 corridor may experience some mixing of sleet or freezing rain, reducing snow totals. Central Virginia and southern Maryland are expected to see the heaviest snowfall, potentially nearing a foot in some locations.

Refreezing and Road Conditions

With temperatures dipping into the teens Tuesday night, widespread refreezing of untreated surfaces is likely, creating hazardous travel conditions. Residents are urged to stay off the roads during the storm and prepare for potential disruptions.

We’ll be posting more storm-related news in the coming hours, so stay tuned.

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.