Updated: Fairfax County Braces for First Snow of 2019 This Weekend

Updated at 4:45 p.m. — Includes information from Fairfax County Public Schools.

Fairfax County is reminding locals of winter safety tips as the first snowfall of the year is anticipated to appear this weekend.

The National Weather Service forecast expects 3 to 4 inches, with snow moving into the area most likely after 1 p.m. on Saturday (Jan. 12) afternoon. By nightfall, about half of an inch will probably be on the ground, a Fairfax County Emergency Information post says.

Locals can expect temperatures tomorrow in the low to mid-30s with calm winds. Overnight, a steadier snowfall is expected to bring another 2 to 4 inches with temperatures in the upper 20s with a light wind of 5 miles per hour.

On Sunday (Jan. 13), snow should continue and then taper off by around 1 p.m. with temperatures in the low to mid-30s again. Winds may reach 5 to 8 mph. Additional snow showers on Sunday evening may occur, but aren’t expected to add to the accumulation.

In a video posted today (Jan. 11), Courtney Arroyo from the county’s Emergency Management Office urges residents to prepare by imagining the worst case scenario.

Her advice includes:

• making a communications plan including out of town contacts
• having alternative plans for work, daycare and elder care
• stocking up on items to survive at home for up to 72 hours, including nonperishable food, water, medications and any supplies for pets and children
• staying off of the roads

“Don’t get blindsided,” she says.

Meanwhile, Fairfax County Public Schools tweeted that all activities scheduled in Fairfax County public schools and school grounds are canceled beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday and all day Sunday.

Happy Friday! With snow predicted for our region in the coming days, here are a few winter weather reminders as we head into the weekend: https://t.co/SmzA17v5Go @ReadyFairfax @fairfaxcounty @ffxconnector @VaDOTNOVA pic.twitter.com/stuHNqPukB

— Sharon Bulova (@SharonBulova) January 11, 2019

NEW: Winter weather advisory issued for immediate DC area for the weekend snow. Winter storm warning south of Fairfax County. Update: https://t.co/Ezc0aOOFDQ pic.twitter.com/XSCnhW2XDj

— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) January 11, 2019

Photo via Charlotte Geary

This story has been updated