Batten Down: Snow May Start in Reston in Early Afternoon

Ready for the big storm?

Here is the latest forecast, along with some other updates.

Timeline: The snow may start in the Reston area a bit earlier than expected, possibly by 1 p.m., according to The Capital Weather Gang.

The CWG adds that there is almost no chance of a last-minute fizzle-out, as many a predicted DC-area storm has done in the past. This is a real deal, and Reston may get more than two feet of snow.

A Blizzard Warning begins at 3 p.m. today as high winds and whiteout conditions are expected. The warning will be in effect until early Sunday morning.

Says the CWG:

Confidence is quite high for a crippling snowstorm. Underscoring one of many impacts in our region: do not assume emergency services will be reliably available this weekend. Make all efforts to complete preparations this morning so roads (which may slow/halt by this afternoon or evening) are not blocked. Be safe. Help those around you. Most of us will likely be immobile through at least Sunday and perhaps into early next week.

Transportation: In a rare move, Metro will suspend all operations beginning at 11 p.m. Friday and remain closed all day Saturday and Sunday.

Fairfax County Connector buses will operate on a Saturday schedule today and will be suspending service at 1 p.m. There will be no bus service Saturday or Sunday.

Dulles International and Reagan National airports say they are preparing for the storm. Many airlines have already canceled flights, so check with yours if you are slated to fly somewhere between now and Sunday. Most airlines are waiving change fees.

Closings: Fairfax County Public Schools have no classes Friday and no extracurricular events in schools Saturday or Sunday.

Reston Association offices will close at noon on Friday. Saturday RA programs, meetings and events for Saturday have been canceled.

Reston Community Players’ performances of Master Class on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are cancelled. Call Box Office 703-476-4500 (choose option 3) to discuss alternate ticket dates.

Reston Community Center programs and rental events are canceled through Sunday. RCC will be open 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, then will close through Sunday.

Fairfax County Courts are closing at noon today.

Retail stores may or may not be open, so check ahead.

Skip Dunbar, a manager at the South Lakes Safeway, said the store will remain open in the storm. Even in a power outage, Safeway has backup generators, he added.

“We never close,” said Dunbar.

Red’s Table at South Lakes Village Center also plans to remain open unless the store loses power, said manager Sharon Wetteland.

Photo: Trader Joe’s Reston on Thursday night/Credit: John Stewart