Winter Storm Targets Reston: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, How To Prepare

RESTON, VA — On Friday morning, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Baltimore-Washington area. The warning will be in effect from 11 p.m. on Saturday to 4 a.m. on Monday.

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected, according to an NWS alert. The total snow and sleet accumulation could be between 7 and 14 inches, with highest accumulations in the far northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore. Ice accumulations between 1 and two-tenths of an inch are anticipated.

On Thursday, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency, ahead of the storm, which is predicted to bring ice and bitterly cold temperatures to the D.C. region, with wind chills reaching as low as 10 degrees below zero.

Closures And Cancellations

• Reston Remakery will be closing early on Saturday to allow volunteers, staff and neighbors to find shelter in a safe and timely fashion. Reston Remakery will remain closed on Sunday to allow clean up crews to operate efficiently.
• Restonstrong Sunday Free Market: Volunteers will make groceries drops available to both fellowship houses weather permitting early next week. For Restonstrong families and other non-fellowship house shoppers, pre-made bags will be available for pick up Monday at 10 a.m. on a first come first serve basis at the Reston YMCA. Anyone who needs assistance or is unable to pick up in person can contact Restonstrong.com.

Related: VA Snow Totals Up In Latest Weekend Storm Forecast

Emergency Kit, Staying Connected

• Build an emergency kit for work and home: essential supplies for three or more days. Include your household's special needs, including medical conditions and companion animals. Check out Virginia Department of Emergency Management's recommended emergency kit list.
• Identify multiple ways to reach friends and family in case one or more media are unavailable. Include telephone, text, and social media.
• Write down contact information: keep a copy in every emergency kit and make sure all household members have copies in case of separation.
• In case of emergency, call 911.
• Hypothermia Prevention: If you see an unsheltered person who may be at risk of hypothermia, call the police non-emergency phone line at 703-691-2131, TTY 711. Learn more about our Hypothermia Prevention Program, including shelter locations and warning signs.
  4.) County Status: Many county government programs and services may be impacted, especially as the regular workweek begins on Monday. Our Operating Status webpage will have the latest information on any changes.

Related: How To Prepare, Safety Tips For VA Weekend Winter Storm

• Fairfax County Closures: The county posts closure and delayed opening information online for libraries, community centers, governmental centers, courts and more. Check the FCPS website for school closures or delays. (Learn more about the school decision-making process.)
• Snow Shoveling Tips: To stay safe while shoveling remember to take breaks, and call or text 9-1-1 right away if you or someone you are with begins to have chest discomfort. (People with a history of heart disease shouldn’t shovel without checking with their doctor first) As you dig out, consider helping your neighbors who may need assistance. You can also be a community hero by helping to shovel areas around fire hydrants, sidewalks, and bus stops.
• Power Outages: Report power outages to Dominion Energy via app, phone (866-366-4357), or online. Dominion Energy's webpage features power outage safety and preparation information.

VDOT's Priorities For Winter Storm Response

Safety and connectivity are key, so roads carrying the most traffic get top priority, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Here are the VDOT's priorities when responding to snow and ice emergency's on state roads:

• VDOT clears interstates and most primary roads (generally numbered 1 through 599) first.
• Crews also plow major secondary roads (numbered 600 and up) with vital emergency and public facilities or those with high traffic volumes.
• Snow emergency routes are key among the top priorities. Localities designate these roads for immediate snow removal so emergency vehicles can use them.
• Other secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated if multiday storms hit Virginia, but crews will focus their efforts on roads that carry the most traffic.
• Once the snow stops and main roads are clear, residential streets will be sanded or plowed.

VDOT’s Snow Plow Tracker: The agency’s interactive map shows the real-time location of its snow plows. However, this map is only activated when there's two or more inches of snow. Keep in mind that VDOT first works to clear highways and major roads before focusing on neighborhood streets. For more information, call VDOT at 1-800-367-7623.

During winter storms, the safest choice is to stay off the roads whenever possible, according to Fairfax County police. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can create dangerous driving conditions, even on treated roadways.

If you must travel:

• Reduce your speed and increase following distance
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
• Be alert for icy spots on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads
• Give snowplows, tow trucks, and emergency vehicles extra space

Before driving, take the time to clear your vehicle completely. Snow or ice left on your car can slide onto your windshield or into the path of other drivers.

Be sure to clear:

• Roof
• Windshield and rear window
• Headlights and taillights
• Side mirrors
• License plate

Fully clearing your vehicle improves visibility and helps prevent crashes.