I hope everyone is staying safe on the first snowfall of the year! As you probably already know, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Fairfax County until 4PM today. The latest forecast calls for total snow accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, with the heaviest snow through early afternoon.
Below are some key updates, and resources for information throughout the storm event, including safety tips on snow removal:
County Operating Status: Due to inclement weather, Fairfax County Government, Courts, and Public Schools will be closed today. My office, along with other County agencies, will be teleworking and available to assist you.
Snow Guide: This guide compiles what you need to know about snow and its removal (plowing, shoveling and more).
COVID-19 vaccinations scheduled today for Fairfax County Government Center and South County Hyland Center have been canceled. Those with appointments will be notified on how to reschedule. The Tysons clinic is also closed. Vaccine call center (703-324-7404) now open until 7PM.
Dominion Power Outages: If an outage occurs, the more information Dominion has about outages, the faster they can respond and make the needed repairs. Contact them promptly if your power goes out. You can notify them online at https://www.dominionenergy.com/outage-center/report-and-check-outages, call at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) or use their mobile app. You can download the Dominion Energy app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Customers should also call 866-DOM-HELP to report downed lines to a customer service agent. Everyone should stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines and make sure family members, neighbors and pets also avoid the wires.
Social media accounts to follow for latest updates:
If you or someone you are with begins to have chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs of a heart attack, call or text 9-1-1 right away.
If you have a history of heart disease do not shovel without your doctor’s OK.
Take breaks while shoveling and do not overexert yourself, especially if you are usually inactive. Shovel small amounts of snow at a time. Push the snow instead of lifting where possible.
Use proper form if lifting is necessary: keeping your back straight and lift with your legs.
Avoid shoveling under snow-covered trees and roof lines due to possibly falling limbs, ice and snow.
Dress in layers and wear warm clothing.
Metrobus Service Temporarily Suspended Due to Weather Conditions, Effective Immediately
Metrobus is temporarily suspending service immediately due to rapidly deteriorating weather and hazardous road conditions throughout the region. All buses currently in operation with customers will operate to the end of the line to complete their routes if safe to do so. All other buses will hold at stops until roads are passable and safe to resume service.