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Poll: Are You Ready for Winter Weather in Tysons?

Snow and colder weather have now descended upon the Northern Virginia area.

Forecasters expect rainy weather later this week and temperatures dipping into the 30s.

For locals gearing up for more wet, wintry weather, Fairfax County has a “Guide to Snow” with information ranging from shoveling to driving tips.

Winter officially begins next Saturday (Dec. 21). Let Tysons Reporter know if you are ready for winter weather.

 

 

 

 

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Poll: Was a School Delay The Right Call Last Night?

At 6 p.m. last night, Fairfax County Public Schools announced that schools would open on a two hour delay today, due to expected snow.

As of this morning, however, roads and sidewalks around the county were mostly wet, with some slick spots, while grassy areas had a coating of snow. Yesterday’s forecasts called for anything from no snow to 2 inches.

Given what was known last night, do you think FCPS made the right call?

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Sleet, and Possibly Light Snow, Expected in Tysons Area Tonight

Tonight’s weather might be ugly, but anyone hoping for another snow day might be out of luck.

The National Weather Service is forecasting a possible one to two inches of snow in the Tysons area from 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday) through 1 p.m. tomorrow (Friday).

NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY… * WHAT…SNOW AND SLEET EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES EXPECTED. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND AND NORTHERN AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY. A BRIEF PERIOD OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW MAY OCCUR BETWEEN 2 AM AND 6 AM. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT THE MORNING COMMUTE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW, SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. EXPECT SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES, AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY. &&

The Virginia Department of Transportation said on Twitter that it will be spot-brining hotspots — including bridges, ramps, and overpasses — and commuters should plan to adjust travel times or telework.

Citing an “abundance of caution,” tomorrow’s planned Vesper Trail ribbon-cutting event is cancelled and will be rescheduled.

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TV Reporter Helps Driver Who Crashed in McLean During the Snow

A reporter with local CBS affiliate WUSA 9 was on assignment during yesterday’s snowfall when she came upon a single-vehicle crash on Great Falls Street in McLean.

A y0ung woman had lost control of her Jeep Patriot on the snow-covered road, spun, hit the curb and damaged a front wheel, disabling the vehicle. The reporter, Peggy Fox, helped the driver get help and also helped to direct traffic before police arrived.

The responding officer offered some advice to others driving in the snow: slow down.

That wasn’t the only story Fox filed yesterday. She also caught up with sledders at the popular sledding hill behind nearby Lemon Road Elementary School.

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FCPS Opening on Two Hour Delay Thursday

Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late Thursday, giving road crews and mother nature extra time to clear slippery and slushy roads.

FCPS made the announcement earlier this afternoon.

Today’s earlier snow has given way to sleet and rain, including some freezing rain. Around 4 inches of accumulation were reported in places like Vienna and Falls Church.

The earlier Winter Storm Warning has been cancelled and replaced with a Winter Weather Advisory. From the National Weather Service:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS
EVENING…
…WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED…

* WHAT…MIXED PRECIPITATION. ADDITIONAL SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF LESS THAN ONE INCH THROUGH MID AFTERNOON, THEN ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO ONE TENTH OF AN INCH THROUGH 10 PM. ALL FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED TO TRANSITION TO RAIN BY 10 PM.

* WHERE…PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA.

* WHEN…UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS WILL IMPACT THE EVENING COMMUTE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW, SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. EXPECT SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES, AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY.

Numerous crashes have been reported around Fairfax County today, including crashes involving overturned vehicles. Virginia State Police’s Fairfax Division reported 114 crashes and 111 disabled or stuck vehicles as of 3:45 p.m.

VDOT is still urging residents to stay inside and off the roads if at all possible today.

“Even as conditions improve, drivers are asked to remain cautious this evening as sleet and freezing rain continue through the region,” VDOT said. “Crews continue to plow and treat roads, but with mixed precipitation and temperatures close to freezing, roads may become slick.”

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Tysons Corner Center is Open, But Snow Closes Many Shops in the Area

It’s cold out and the snow is still piling up in the streets, but that hasn’t kept some stores from opening. Tysons currently has around three inches of snow on the ground.

Tysons Corner Center said in a tweet this morning that it would be open, though individual retailers within the store might be closed.

The security office at Tysons Galleria said that the mall is closed today as a result of the snow.

The Tower Club Tysons will be open with a limited menu until 2 p.m., with an anticipated opening and normal hours at 7 a.m. on Thursday.

While the emergency departments remain open, Inova’s physical therapy location in Tysons is closed today, as are several other Inova programs across the county. Ninotch massage and sports therapy also announced its Tysons location is closed today.

The lunch special event at TenPenh near Tysons Galleria is also postponed, though the restaurant remains open.

Vienna government facilities and community centers are closed today. Maple Avenue Restaurant in Vienna announced that it would also be closed today.

All library branches are closed today as is the Fairfax Animal Shelter, which advised locals to stay cuddled up at home with their pets.

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Traffic Light Across the Area As Many Enjoy a Snow Day

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(Updated at 9:30 a.m.) The Beltway and I-66 are mostly wet and drive-able as snow continues to fall, but it appears that the vast majority of drivers are heeding calls to stay off the rods today.

Only very light traffic could be seen on either highway as of 9 a.m., normally a time when both would be jammed with commuters.

It’s a similar story on Route 123 in Tysons and other local arteries, but with more snow in the road and fewer cars. Neighborhood roads and side streets are snow-covered but largely passable for those with the right tires and vehicles.

As of 8:45 a.m., Virginia State Police reported 11 crashes during the storm in its Fairfax Division.

VDOT is continuing to urge drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary today, with morning snow giving way to sleet and freezing rain in the afternoon, to be followed by plain rain which will make everything a slushy mess.

“Drivers are asked to avoid travel for safety today as a winter storm moves through the region with a range of precipitation,” VDOT said. “Pockets of heavier snow may limit visibility and stick to the pavement, and a mix of freezing rain may quickly make roads slick.”

The federal government is closed today. Fairfax County schools, government offices, courts and park authority facilities are closed. The Fairfax Connector is running on a Saturday schedule. City of Falls Church government and schools are also closed.

Two inches of snow had fallen on Tysons as of 8:30 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

In addition to asking residents to stay off the roads during the storm, authorities are encouraging locals to take it easy while shoveling today’s wet snow. Per the fire department:

Your Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department encourages you to take safety precautions if you are going to shovel snow.

It is important to consider your physical limitations. Wear weather appropriate gear to keep you warm. Only shovel snow if you are physically able to do so. This snow is a wet and heavy type of snow. Remember to take it slow when shoveling snow!

Update at 1 p.m. — As the snow changes over to sleet and freezing rain, 3.5 inches of accumulation are being reported in Falls Church and 4.2 inches have been reported in Vienna, according to National Weather Service spotters.

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UPDATED: School Cancelled Wednesday As Winter Storm Barrels Toward Area

(Updated at 4:35 p.m.) Fairfax County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow (Wednesday) due to a winter storm that’s just hours away from reaching the area.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued ahead of the storm, which is expected to drop several inches of snow and some sleet and freezing rain on Fairfax County.

Despite VDOT pretreating local roadways, authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads — if at all possible — after the flakes start flying early Wednesday morning. Delays and cancellations are likely for schools, governments and flights Wednesday.

More from the National Weather Service:

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 7 PM EST WEDNESDAY… * WHAT…HEAVY MIXED PRECIPITATION EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO ONE TENTH OF AN INCH EXPECTED. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AND PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MARYLAND AND CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 1 AM TO 7 PM EST WEDNESDAY. SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING AND MIX WITH AND CHANGE TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN DURING THE LATE MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON HOURS WEDNESDAY. PRECIPITATION WILL CHANGE TO PLAIN RAIN WEDNESDAY EVENING. THE HEAVIEST SNOW IS LIKELY WEDNESDAY MORNING. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…TRAVEL COULD BE VERY DIFFICULT. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT THE MORNING OR EVENING COMMUTE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW, SLEET AND ICE WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY. &&

More via social media:

https://twitter.com/VaDOTNOVA/status/1097896285967994880

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Morning Notes

Robbery Attempt in Falls Church — “The victim was getting out of a van when a man walked up to him, displayed a handgun and demanded money. The victim quickly backed away and the man ran away.” [FCPD]

Students, Retirees Send Valentine’s Day Care Packages — “On Jan. 27, nearly 150 individuals, from kindergartners to octogenarians, took part in The Potomac School’s third annual Intergenerational Valentine’s Day Service Event, hosted by Vinson Hall Retirement Community.” [McLean Connection]

Snow in the Forecast — “The first in this trio of storm systems is slated to arrive Saturday, with a second one possible Sunday and finally another targeting late Tuesday into Wednesday next week. The Saturday and late-Tuesday-Wednesday systems appear to have the most wintry potential locally, but they are also far from sure bets.” [Washington Post]

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Schools Delayed Monday Amid Worries About Icy Commute

Fairfax County public schools are planning to open on a two hour delay Monday due to possible snow and freezing rain overnight.

A Winter Weather Advisory is now in effect, as forecasters warn of a potentially difficult morning commute.

More from the National Weather Service:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST MONDAY… * WHAT…SNOW, SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO ONE INCH AND ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF LESS THAN A TENTH OF AN INCH EXPECTED. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ALONG WITH PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MARYLAND, CENTRAL, NORTHERN AND WESTERN VIRGINIA AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST MONDAY. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS WILL IMPACT THE MONDAY MORNING COMMUTE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW, SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. EXPECT SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES, AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL. THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1. &&

The Virginia Dept. of Transportation is urging Northern Virginia residents to expect icy conditions and, if possible, to telework Monday morning.

“VDOT asks that drivers be alert to a potential mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to impact roads,” the transportation department said Sunday afternoon. “Crews have brined roads which will assist at the onset of the storm, but drivers are asked to prepare now for impacts to the morning rush hour.”

“If you must drive” in the morning, VDOT said, “add in extra time to drive slower.”

More via social media:

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