Prepare for the first snowstorm of 2025

After two relatively mild winters, we now appear to be headed for a snowstorm and below-freezing temperatures.

The National Weather Service says Northern Virginia could have heavy snow with the potential for some sleet and freezing rain beginning Sunday evening and extending through Monday night.

The forecast calls for the possibility of “total snow and sleet accumulations of 5 inches or greater and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch.” There’s also a potential in the broader region for “a localized band with up to 10 inches of snow.”

“Travel could be very difficult,” the NWS says. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.”

Temperatures as low as 20 degrees are predicted through Wednesday, with highs reaching only to the low 30s.

If we do get a big snowstorm, here’s what you need to know:

Closures – For updates on school closures, visit the Fairfax County Public Schools website or the FCPS Facebook page. Check the status of Fairfax County departments here.

Roads – Visit the VDOT snowplow page to see where the trucks are. For current road conditions and hazards, visit: http://www.511virginia.org/.

Electric power outages – Report an outage to Dominion Energy here or call 866-366-4357.

Downed trees – If a tree falls on a road, contact VDOT at 800-367-7623 or fill out an online form. If a tree falls on a power line, contact Dominion at 866-366-4357 or submit a report to Dominion here.

Internet outages – Contact Verizon at 800-837-4966. Report an outage to Cox at 800-234-3993.

Gas leaks – If you smell gas, go outside immediately and call 991 and Washington Gas, 703-750-1400.

Hypothermia shelters – If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the Fairfax County non-emergency police phone number, 703-691-2131.

Here are some more tips to prepare for snow:

• Charge your phone and other devices.
• Fill your gas tank.
• Park in the driveway – or at least on the side of the road with odd numbers – so snowplows can get through.
• Visit this page for tips on safe snow shoveling.
• Locate your flashlight and extra batteries.
• Check on elderly neighbors.
• Make sure you have at least a three-day supply of food that doesn’t require electricity to prepare.
• VDOT offers tips for driving on snow and ice.