Fairfax County Public Schools Makes March 2 Weather Decision

Fairfax County Public Schools will be closed Friday, March 2 due to high winds and gusts up to 70 mph continuing from overnight into the day.

All extracurricular activities, interscholastic contests, team practices, field trips are closed. Middle school after-school programs, professional learning and training courses, adult and community education classes, recreation programs and other activities on school campuses are cancelled. School age child care (SACC) centers are closed.

The announcements comes as Fairfax County and the region are under a high wind warning through 6 a.m. Saturday. Forecasters said high winds started reaching the DC area before midnight and could continue through Friday night. Potential for 60-70 mph gusty winds is from 4 a.m. Friday to midnight and 30 mph and up gusty winds into Sunday.

Authorities have urged residents to prepare for widespread power outages as damaging winds blow down trees and power lines. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage. Forecasters say travel will be difficult under these conditions.

Areas under the high wind warning include: Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, District of Columbia, Stafford County, King George County, Northern Fauquier County, Southern Fauquier, Western Loudoun County and Eastern Loudoun. Specific cities named in the warning are Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falmouth, Dahlgren, Warrenton, Turnbull, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, and Sterling.

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