Snow is falling and will continue
for our region into this afternoon. Helpful information to weather the storm can be found below and on our website. County government offices and courts are closed today, but TEAM MVD is working remotely.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) treats and plows most roads in Fairfax County. Before a potential storm, VDOT pre-treats interstates, major roads, bridges, ramps and overpasses with brine and/or liquid magnesium chloride. Brine is simply a mix of 23% salt and 77% water that is sprayed onto the roads and dries to create white "brine lines" on the pavement.
VDOT is responsible for 13,942 miles of road in Northern Virginia, so please be patient as their crews work hard to get to your street. To see real-time information on snow plows, visit. You can also now report unplowed roads through the Waze App. For information on the latest updates and resources from VDOT, visit, to report hazards or ask road related questions, call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623). Current road conditions and hazards can be found at www.511virginia.org or by calling 511.
VDOT crews begin plowing when two inches of snow have fallen. Crews prioritize interstate highways, major roads and main subdivision roads. After a storm ends, VDOT aims to have plowed one passable lane on all roads within the following time frames:
- 2-4" of snow: 24 hours
- 4-6" of snow: 48 hours
- 6" or more: 72 hours
REMINDERS FOR DRIVING IN THE SNOW:
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Get where you need to be before the weather gets bad.
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Monitor weather to stay informed of the latest timing and intensity along your travel routes.
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Adjust commutes to avoid the worst of the weather until conditions improve.
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Take it slow on bridges, ramps, overpasses and other known trouble spots.
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Be patient; remember that many fellow drivers are not comfortable driving in adverse weather conditions.
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Ensure gas tanks and windshield fluid tanks are full, and take time to update your car's emergency kit.
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Watch for pedestrians as sidewalks may not be clear.
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Give plows plenty of space to work.
PHONE NUMBERS:
- Police, Fire, Ambulance Emergency: call or text 911
- Public Safety Non-Emergency: 703-691-2131
- VDOT: 1-800-367-7623
- Fairfax County Emergency Information Line: 703-817-7771
- Washington Gas Emergency Line: 844-927-4427
- Columbia Gas Emergency Line: 1-800-544-5606
- Dominion Energy: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)
- Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC): 1-888-335-0500
- Fairfax Water: 703-698-5613
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Hypothermia shelters are open. If you see someone who is unsheltered and could be at risk, please call the Fairfax County Police Non-Emergency number at 703-691-2131.
During major snow events, TEAM MVD monitors office phone messages (703-780-7518) and email (mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov). If we do not answer right away, please leave a detailed message, along with your phone number, email and street address. We will get back to you as soon as we can to make sure you are getting the assistance you need.
Take care and stay safe!
