Snow This Weekend: What Fairfax City Residents Should Know

Published on February 20, 2026

Forecasters have reported a potential for a snow event in Fairfax City this weekend, beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing through Monday morning. Current forecasts indicate 1 to 3 inches of accumulation, and the forecast could change as conditions evolve.

The city will post current information about city government services and programs as needed during this weather event. You also can stay connected via Fairfax City Alerts delivered via email and text  and social media (Facebook, X: @cityoffairfaxva).

Use the Ready311 app or Fairfax City Resolve to report hazardous issues and road condition concerns. In case of emergency, call 911.

Here's some news you can use regarding snow and ice removal, utility services, parking, and more. Be careful and stay safe.

Fairfax City Snow, Ice Removal

• City crews pre-treat roads as appropriate, and Old Town areas and city buildings that may be open Sunday have been pretreated.
• All equipment and plow trucks are being prepared and staged, and city crews will operate Sunday and Monday, dependent on snowfall accumulation.
• Plowing begins after 3 or more inches of accumulation.
• Crews work around the clock to clear primary roads first for emergency vehicle access. Once snow tapers off, crews move to subdivision streets. The plowing order rotates with each storm, so the same neighborhoods aren't always last.
• Use the Ready311 app or Fairfax City Resolve on the city website to report hazardous issues and road condition concerns.
• Streets are plowed as quickly as possible, and snow conditions and accumulation affect the speed at which this service can be safely provided. Click here to see the snow removal route map: fairfaxva.gov/snow.

Parking

• Park off-street when possible (in driveways and community parking lots). This allows crews access to treat and plow the snowy, icy roads more quickly and safely.

Power, Outages

• Report power outages to Dominion Energy via app, phone (866-366-4357), or online at dominionenergy.com/virginia/report-outage-or-emergency. Dominion Energy's webpage features power outage safety and preparation information.
• Keep electronic devices and power banks charged.

Water Service and Water Pipes

• Locate and mark your water main-line valve inside your home and ensure your water line to outside faucets is turned off and the line is drained. Insulate pipes in unheated spaces.
• When away from home, keep your thermostat at a reasonable temperature to make sure all areas with water pipes are kept above freezing.
• If you lose power in your home, allow a faucet to drip cold water slowly. Do not thaw pipes with open flames or torches.
• Report water emergencies, including water main breaks, at 703-698-5613 (TTY 711); fairfaxwater.org; or via the Fairfax Water app.

Shoveling Snow and Ice — and Fire Hydrants

• Shovel driveways and walkways early, before snow turns to ice.
• When clearing driveways, pile snow off the street, to the left of the driveway (facing the driveway from the street). Consider waiting to shovel the driveway apron until after plows clear the road on your street (and in front of your driveway) to avoid having to shovel snow unintentionally pushed onto the driveway.
• Keep stormwater drains open so melting snow has a clear path for drainage.
• Use ice busters (ice melt, salt, sand, etc.) sparingly, and use shoveling, sand, and sunlight to keep the ice away.
• Clear snow from around nearby fire hydrants. Give hydrants a 3-foot clear area and clear a path from the street and sidewalk to the hydrant.

Be Winter Salt Smart

• If you use too much salt, it can harm our local waterways — and our drinking water sources. Follow these tips to keep you and the environment safe:
• • Treat according to the forecast and temperature. When the pavement is below 15 degrees, salt won't work.
  • A little salt goes a long way. Just a 12-ounce coffee mug covers 20 feet of driveway.
  • Sweep up excess salt and store it in a sealed container for next time.

Neighbors

• Check on those around you and give them a hand when you can.
• Pay special attention to neighbors who are elderly or those who have disabilities.
• Think also of folks new to the community who may be unfamiliar with neighborhood practices and local or regional resources.

Service Providers

• Make arrangements before the weather event begins for service providers you may need: snow removal, home repairs, tree limb removal, transportation, and more. Check with your family, friends, homeowner association, and neighbors for recommendations.

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 VDEM's recommended emergency kit list: vaemergency.gov/prepare/emergency-kit.
• 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.