Closures/delays
- The University of Mary Washington will be closed all day Tuesday, Jan. 7.
- Germanna Community College will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 7.
- Stafford County Public Schools are closed Tuesday, Jan. 7.
- Spotsylvania County Public Schools are closed Tuesday, Jan. 7.
- King George County Schools are closed Tuesday, Jan. 7.
- Caroline County and City of Fredericksburg schools were already scheduled to be off for a teacher workday. FCPS will extend winter break by one day. All buildings will be closed Jan. 7 while parking lots and sidewalks are addressed. Students will report to school on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
- Fredericksburg General District Court will be operating on a delayed opening Tuesday, Jan. 7. The General District Clerk’s office and court will begin at 10 A.M.
- All Spotsylvania County offices, facilities & courts are opening at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 7 with employee liberal leave after delayed opening. The Marshall Park Convenience Center will be closed.
- All Stafford offices, departments, Circuit and General District Courts and facilities will be opening on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Circuit and General District Courts will open at 10 A.M. and cases will start at 11 A.M.
- VRE has no service on Monday, Jan. 6. VRE to review and update on any closures or delays for Tuesday, Jan 7.
(Editor’s note: these listings will be updated as additional closures are received)
Forecasts from meteorologist Sean Sublette
State of emergency issued in Virginia
On Friday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth. The notice included several “personal preparedness actions.” They include:
- During a winter storm, stay off the roads as much as possible and only drive when absolutely necessary. Always give snowplows and responders the right of way.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning device inside your home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any other partially enclosed area.
- Snow shoveling is a known trigger for heart attacks. Always avoid overexertion when shoveling.
- When severe weather occurs, plan to check on elderly or disabled neighbors and relatives.
- If you must travel, know road conditions before you leave home.
- Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov, check the 511 Virginia mobile app, or call 511 while in Virginia for information on road and traffic conditions.
- Protect yourself from frostbite. Hands, feet and face are the most commonly affected areas so wear a hat, mittens (which are warmer than gloves) and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.
- Keep dry. Change out of wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
- Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer or heavy clothing.
Prepare your home
- Make sure your home is properly insulated
- Check the weather stripping around your windows and doors
- Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts
- Have additional heat sources on hand in case of a power outage
- Keep a fire extinguisher accessible
- Replace the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector annually
Prepare your car
- Batteries lose power as temperatures drop, be sure to have yours tested
- Check your car’s antifreeze level
- Have your radiator system serviced
- Replace your car’s windshield wiper fluid with a wintertime mix
- Proactively replace your car’s worn tires and wiper blades
- To help with visibility, clean off your car entirely — including your trunk, roof, windows and headlights
- Please heed warnings to avoid travel. If you absolutely have to be on the roadway, prepare your vehicle and have a kit for you and your passengers. This could include items such as: Blankets; Drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets; Boots; Basic first-aid kit; Warm coat and insulating layers (sweatpants, gloves, hat, socks)
Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes; Basic set of tools; Car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors; Ice scraper/snow brush; Jumper cables/jump pack; Fire extinguisher; Cash; Items for children such as diapers, baby wipes, toys, etc.; Flashlight, with extra batteries; Hand warmers; Paper map; Portable smartphone power bank; Extra medication; Garbage bags; Traction aid such as sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter; Tarp, raincoat and gloves; Shovel
To learn more about how to prepare yourself, your family, and your business for winter weather, visit www.vaemergency.gov/winter-weather. For real-time traffic conditions anywhere in the state, dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov.
