Stafford County government offices will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to severe winter weather conditions. The decision follows a local State of Emergency declared by the Stafford County Board of Supervisors on January 23, after Governor Abigail Spanberger issued a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Governor Spanberger have asked residents to avoid travel so crews can clear roads efficiently and emergency responders can reach those in need.
The National Weather Service predicts an additional 2 to 4 inches of snow today, along with sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulation could reach up to one-quarter inch. Wind chills are expected to drop into single digits or below zero through the middle of next week. Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors and bring pets indoors because hypothermia can occur quickly under these conditions.
Officials remind the public not to touch downed power lines and report them instead—Dominion Energy customers should call 1-866-DOM-HELP (366-4357), while NOVEC customers can contact 1-888-335-0500.
Several closures have been announced:
– Stafford County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26. The district serves approximately 31,700 students across its schools as of the 2023–24 academic year, an increase from the previous year’s enrollment (source).
– The Regional Landfill and Belman Road Recycling Center will also close on Monday.
– All county courts will be shut.
– The Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 has been canceled.
For those seeking shelter during the storm, Micah Ministries is operating an emergency snow shelter at Fredericksburg Baptist Church in Fredericksburg; it will remain open throughout the duration of Winter Storm Fern. More information is available through Micah Ministries’ website.
Updates about county operations related to Winter Storm Fern can be found at www.staffordcountyva.gov/emergency. Changes regarding parks and recreation activities or other services will be communicated through Stafford Alert notifications.
Additionally, state officials have extended expiration dates for any DMV-issued identification or driver’s licenses set to expire this week by 30 days.
