FCPS to close two hours early today

The threat of the first snow of 2020 has led Fairfax County Public Schools to close two hours early on Tuesday.

Fairfax County is under a winter weather advisory until 7 p.m., and the snow is expected to disrupt the rush hour commute throughout the D.C. area. The National Weather Service is predicting that rain will turn to snow in the afternoon, with the possibility of 1-3 inches of accumulation around the county. The heaviest snow is expected at the beginning of the storm, and could begin as early as 1 p.m.

All FCPS after-school activities are cancelled, but School Aged Child Care (SACC) will be open until 6:15 p.m. However, FCPS is urging parents to pick up their children earlier if possible.

The federal government is also closing early, the Office of Personnel Management announced. All federal employees have been told to leave by 1 p.m.

Loudoun County Public Schools announced earlier today that they will be closed, and other school systems such as Prince William County, Fauquier County and Culpeper County are closing early.

Here’s the full announcement from FCPS:

Due to the anticipated snow and possible hazardous driving conditions later today, all Fairfax County public schools and offices will close two hours early today, January 7, 2020 (Condition 4).

Morning preschool (special education) classes are dismissed at approximately 11 a.m.

Full-day preschool (special education) and Family and Early Childhood Education Program/Head Start classes are dismissed two hours earlier than the usual time.

Afternoon preschool (special education) classes are canceled.

SACC will stay open until 6:15 p.m. SACC Administration requests parents make every effort to pick up children earlier, if possible.

All late buses are canceled.

The following activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled:

• extracurricular activities
• interscholastic contests
• team practices
• field trips
• middle school after-school programs
• professional learning and training courses
• adult and community education classes
• recreation programs and community use by outside groups not affiliated with FCPS

The School Board’s Capital Improvement Program public hearing tonight at 6 p.m. at Jackson Middle School will be held as scheduled.

This story has been updated with new information.