FCPS will be closed tomorrow as widespread snowfall upends traffic, power grid

(Updated at 2:40 p.m.) Local students will get another day of winter break, thanks to the snow that has inundated Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. region.

Fairfax County Public Schools announced at 1:17 p.m. that classes have been canceled tomorrow (Tuesday), delaying the return of students for a second consecutive day. There will be no virtual or in-person learning, and all activities on school grounds have been canceled.

In the meantime, the snow has wreaked havoc on people’s travel plans and the county’s power grid.

Roads still not good. If you do not have to be on the roads – DON’T! #FCFRD #SafeFairfax #FFXSnow pic.twitter.com/5Csz0pc14q

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 3, 2022

Drivers faced delays, both by choice and by nature, where even some pickup trucks and emergency vehicles struggled as a snowstorm forced widespread shutdowns from schools to offices and roadways.

At least nine roads in the county were closed due to snow and ice or downed trees and wires, as of 1:50 p.m., according to the Fairfax County Police Department. Major roads affected include Richmond Highway near Huntley Meadows Park and Prosperity Avenue in Mantua.

As of 12:30 p.m., the Virginia State Police had responded to 559 traffic crashes and 522 disabled vehicles across the state since midnight.

Snow is collecting too fast for these #VSP troopers on I-95 in #PrinceWilliam Co & I-495 in #Springfield to keep their vehicles clear! #VSP troopers are up to 559 traffic crashes & 522 disabled/stuck vehicles across #virginia since 12:01 AM (1/3/22). Pls delay travel. @VaDOTNOVA pic.twitter.com/1UoGDKHoBE

— VA State Police (@VSPPIO) January 3, 2022

Fairfax Connector bus service has been suspended since 11:45 a.m. with no updates on when it might resume.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported that firefighters and paramedics have spent all morning responding to reports of downed wires and trees, which have created potentially dangerous conditions while taking out power for around 40,000 Dominion Energy customers.

Downed power lines and trees can be reported to 9-1-1, Dominion Energy and NOVEC, or the Virginia Department of Transportation, depending on the severity of the situation and where the incident occurs.

Current situation on the Fairfax County Parkway outside of Springfield… I would say about 40% of cars are completely stuck in the right “lane” @VaDOTNOVA @WDVMTV pic.twitter.com/asmDw6YoAm

— Clara Goodwin (@ClaraGoodwinTV) January 3, 2022

I don’t know who to call but we need a little assistance over here on Oak Green Way @FairfaxCountyPD @ffxfirerescue pic.twitter.com/8v0WzKxHRz

— Tyler (@tylerfreund7) January 3, 2022

View from the officers seat of Engine 425, Reston, C-Shift. If you do not have to be on the roads – DON’T! #FCFRD #SafeFairfax #FFXSnow pic.twitter.com/sbnyrnNtwL

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 3, 2022

Just shy of 9 inches as the snow wraps up in Fairfax County. Measurement just north of Vienna, VA #vawx #snow #novawx #LWXSpotter @capitalweather @NWS_BaltWash pic.twitter.com/IwhPD1DjGd

— Mark Skaggs (@markskaggs10) January 3, 2022

The snow storm, transforming much of the region even before morning commutes, caught some people off guard after temperatures reached the low 60s yesterday (Sunday).