What To Know About Fairfax County Closings, Snow Removal Policy For Jan. 3 Storm

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — With the region experiencing its first major snow under a winter storm warning Monday, residents should be aware of Fairfax County government closings and snow removal policy.

In much of Northern Virginia, the National Weather Service expected snow accumulation between 5 and 10 inches. The heaviest snow was anticipated through the early afternoon. The winter storm warning continued through 4 p.m. Monday.

Due to the forecast, Fairfax County government was closed on Monday. Eligible employees who can telework were expected to work. On Tuesday, Fairfax County government will open at 10 a.m. There will be unscheduled leave granted for employees, but employees eligible to telework should telework or use personal leave when administrative or unscheduled leave is called.

For Fairfax Connector, service will operate on a Saturday schedule on Tuesday. Routes with Saturday service include 101, 109, 151, 152, 161, 162, 171, 308, 310, 321, 322, 371, 401, 402, 423, 424, 463, 467, 505, 551, 558, 559, 574, 605, 630, 640, 650, 703, 721, 803, 937, 950, 981, 983, RIBS 1, RIBS 2, RIBS 3, RIBS 4 and RIBS 5. Check the status of bus routes on BusTracker or through email or text alerts for your routes.

Other closures on Tuesday include:

• Tysons Community Vaccination Center
• Fairfax County Public Schools
• Fairfax County Park Authority programs at school facilities

Residents should delay travel on the roads if possible during the winter storm. If travel is necessary, monitor the forecast, adjust timing if possible, drive slowly on bridges, ramps, overpasses and other known trouble spots, ensure gas tanks and windshield fluid tanks are full, update your car's emergency kit, watch for pedestrians, and give plows room to work. Traffic conditions are available at 511virginia.gov.

Snow removal

The Virginia Department of Transportation is in charge of clearing snow from most roads in Fairfax County. Plowing typically begins once 2 inches of snow has fallen. VDOT crews will first prioritize roads with the most traffic, including interstates, primary roads, and routes connecting public safety and emergency services. Crews then focus on neighborhoods and lower-volume roads. Updates are provided at www.vdotplows.org.

Snow removal on streets within a townhouse, condominium or business complex without a state route number is the responsibility of the property manager or homeowners association.

As for sidewalks, residents are not legally required to remove snow in front of residential and business properties. However, residents are encouraged to clear snow so pedestrians can walk safely, particularly school children, people with disabilities and older adults.

Spots recommended for snow shoveling are:

• The sidewalk in front of your home
• Sidewalks in front of vacant homes or homes where residents are unable to shovel
• Fire hydrants
• Bus stops
• Sidewalks/paths that lead to schools or community buildings
• Bike trails
• Storm drains
• Parking identified as accessible spaces for people with disabilities

For continued weather updates, check the National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington office.