Snow Accumulation
Snow is piling up quickly across the region. As of 7 p.m., Prince Frederick had already received 2 inches, while Vienna, Virginia reported nearly 3 inches of snowfall.
School Closures & Delays for February 12
- Fairfax County Schools – Closed, including all after-school activities
- Montgomery County Public Schools – Closed
- DC Public Schools – Closed
- Fauquier County Public Schools – Closed
- Anne Arundel County Schools – Virtual learning schedule in place
- Alexandria City Public Schools – Closed
Traffic Alerts & Road Conditions
- 10 p.m. – Montgomery County reports a utility issue on US 29 at Blackburn Road, blocking all lanes in both directions between Greencastle Road and Sandy Spring Road.
- 9 p.m. – Virginia State Police (VSP) report 700 crashes and 70 injuries across the state. In Fairfax County, there have been 43 crashes, including seven injuries.
- 4 p.m. – VSP confirmed 305 crashes statewide since midnight, with 24 reported injuries, but no fatalities.
- St. Mary’s County – A car rolled over along Park Hall, but no injuries were reported. Police urge residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Driving Safety Tips from AAA
- Check weather conditions before heading out.
- Travel with a full tank of gas, a fully charged phone, and always wear a seatbelt.
- If traffic signals are out, treat intersections as four-way stops.
- Driving on black ice? Move slowly and smoothly—avoid sudden braking, acceleration, or sharp turns. If you have antilock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure rather than pumping the brakes.
- If stuck in snow or ice, straighten the wheel and accelerate slowly. Adding sand, cat litter, or traction mats under the wheels can help regain traction.
Winter Emergency Kit Essentials
- Snow shovel & ice scraper
- Extra blankets & warm clothing
- Water & non-perishable snacks
- Necessary medications
- Fully charged phone & power bank
Power Outages
- As of 5 p.m., Dominion Energy reported no outages in the region.
- Power failures can disrupt communication, medical devices, water access, and food storage—so residents should prepare accordingly.
- Generator Safety: Never connect a portable generator to your home’s electrical system or bring it indoors—carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
Preventing Damage & Staying Safe
- Avoid standing under trees—heavy snow and high winds can bring down branches.
- Stock up on medical supplies, medications, and emergency items for at least 5–7 days.
- Have a communication plan in case family members get separated.
- Sign up for local weather alerts to receive real-time updates.
- Secure outdoor items like garbage cans and patio furniture to prevent wind damage.
Residents are urged to remain cautious and stay informed as the storm continues.
