Locals Urged to Stay Off Reston Roads as Wintry Mix Continues

Updated at 4:45 p.m. — Fairfax County Public Schools announced that schools will open two hours late tomorrow (Feb. 21). School offices and central offices will open on time.

Earlier: Major roads appear clearer and mostly without traffic this afternoon, yet public safety officials keep asking locals to stay off of the roadways.

An emergency post from Fairfax County said that a number of traffic accidents took place today (Feb. 20) around the county. With sleet and rain recently replacing the snow, locals can expect slippery roads,  the National Weather Service warns.

Herndon and Reston saw around 4.5 inches of total snow accumulation, according to NWS.

With the majority of the snow now changed over to sleet/ freezing rain, attention is turned to ice accumulations as temperatures only gradually warm above freezing. Advisories & Warnings continue through the evening, with the greatest ice accumulations north/west of I-95. pic.twitter.com/uNqXPPgPyB

— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) February 20, 2019

Several locals posted photos noting the change this afternoon from snow to a wintry mix of sleet and rain.

Sleet eroding snow in Reston ⁦@capitalweather⁩ pic.twitter.com/b7xIVFUUNr

— Bill Burton (@burtonwc) February 20, 2019

Looks like we are at around 4” in Reston @capitalweather – mostly sleet coming down at this point. pic.twitter.com/DKiM3TlzwD

— C. G. Niederstrasser (@RocketScient1st) February 20, 2019

It’s beautiful, but the freezing rain has started in Reston, VA. pic.twitter.com/avEl8GLLCX

— Holly Weatherwax (@hollyweatherwax) February 20, 2019

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the county and surrounding area until 10 p.m. for snow, sleet and ice.

More from NWS:

WHAT…Mixed precipitation. Additional snow and sleet
accumulations of less than one inch through mid afternoon, then
ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch through 10 pm.
All freezing rain is expected to transition to rain by 10 pm.

* WHERE…Portions of central and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…Until 10 PM EST this evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The
hazardous conditions will impact the evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or
freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery
roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.

When venturing outside, watch your first few steps taken on
steps, sidewalks, and driveways, which could be icy and slippery,
increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

The weather has prompted some event cancellations tonight in Reston and Herndon.

Images via Virginia 511, Google Maps and Marjorie Copson