On January 22, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger declared a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has requested that residents remain off the roads once snowfall begins to allow crews to clear routes efficiently and to ensure first responders can reach emergencies.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning for Stafford County from 11 p.m. Saturday, January 24, through 4 a.m. Monday, January 26. Forecasts predict heavy mixed precipitation with snow and sleet accumulations between 9 and 12 inches, as well as ice buildup. Wind gusts are expected to reach up to 22 mph on Monday.
Estimates indicate ice accumulation could range from .25 inch to .50 inch in a worst-case scenario. Significant ice may result in multiple days of power outages due to damage not only to power lines but also infrastructure such as poles. Residents are warned not to touch downed power lines and are advised to report them to Dominion Energy at 1-866-DOM-HELP (366-4357) or NOVEC at 1-888-335-0500.
A Cold Weather Advisory is also in effect from Friday evening through Saturday morning, with subzero wind chill values anticipated overnight into next week. Authorities recommend providing shelter and water for outdoor animals and pets, wearing layers, and limiting time outdoors to avoid hypothermia.
Micah Ministries will open an emergency snow shelter at Fredericksburg Baptist Church for unhoused individuals after the community dinner on Saturday night; it will remain open throughout the storm’s duration. Further information is available on Micah Ministries’ website.
Residents are urged to finalize preparations now by gathering enough food, water, and medication for all household members—including pets—to last at least three days. Information about preparedness tips is available on the county’s Winter Weather Preparedness Page along with instructions on signing up for Stafford Alert notifications. Updates related to government operations during the storm will be posted at www.staffordcountyva.gov/emergency.
Due to anticipated hazardous conditions, the Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 27 has been canceled and all courts will be closed on Monday, January 26.
Any DMV-issued identification or driver’s licenses expiring this week will receive a thirty-day extension under state policy.
Stafford County Public Schools District enrolled approximately 31,700 students during the most recent school year—a figure representing a slight increase over the previous year’s enrollment—across its network of schools including Brooke Point High School which had the highest student population among local schools during that period https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home.
