School Closings: Update For Loudoun County

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Because of snow residue and temperatures expected to dip into the low teens to single digits Thursday night, Loudoun County Public Schools have announced they will remain closed for a second consecutive day.

Here's the school system's statement: "Students walking to school and waiting at the bus stop would be exposed to dangerous conditions as indicated in the “Wind Chill Advisory” issued by the National Weather Services. Conditions are expected to be particularly harsh in the western parts of the county.

"Icy conditions at school campuses in the eastern portion of the county are expected to improve therefore a determination and announcement on Loudoun County Public Schools after-school and extracurricular activities will be made by noon on Friday, January 5th."

It's the second consecutive day most school systems in the Northern Virginia area have been closed, this time as much for the cold as the remaining light snow coating. The National Weather Service has extended a wind chill advisory for the region through noon Friday. Residents should expect wind chills ranging from 5 degrees to -10 degrees.

The advisory applies to central DC, Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and eastern Loudoun County. (For more local stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Even when the wind chill warning ends, highs will be between 15 and 20 degrees on Friday and Saturday, with wind chills making it feel like temperatures in the single digits. Forecasters warn that cold wind chills will cause frostbite to exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

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