Weather Cancellation Procedures

Be informed in the case of inclement weather or other emergency situations.

When bad weather or other emergency situations occur, it may be necessary for FCPS to cancel, delay, or close schools early. Parents and students should have a well-communicated plan in place in the event of these emergency situations. Children need to know where to go or what to do if a parent will not be home.

The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority any time a decision must be made regarding school closures and delays during a weather situation. We review information from emergency management and state highway administrators about road conditions, and school personnel also go out and inspect the conditions of roads, sidewalks, and FCPS parking lots and bus lanes.

Where to Find Weather-Related Information

In the case of emergency for a weather-related closing, delay, or early dismissal, the FCPS website will be updated first, and will automatically include an alert at the top of each page with the appropriate information (see sample alert below). This information will remain posted until normal operations have resumed, or you click "Close This Alert" to remove it. If you have closed the alert, a red exclamation mark will remain (highlighted by red circle below) to indicate that the alert is still active. 

weather alert sample

FCPS tries to make decisions in the evening, taking into account that parents need time to make proper arrangements. But when there is a lot of uncertainty, we wait to get the latest morning forecast. In that case, the superintendent makes the decision of whether to delay or close schools by approximately 4:30 a.m.

FCPS provides information about closings and delays in many ways including:

Please be aware, due to the large volume of emails sent there will likely be a lag between the website, social media, and news station updates and the receipt of an email in your inbox.    

Commonly Asked Questions

Student pick up time will be two hours later than it normally is. For example, if a child has a pick up time of 7:10 a.m., when we operate on a two-hour delay their pick up time will become 9:10 a.m. With any type of weather delay, there will be disruptions. We ask that our students be at their stop five minutes before their scheduled pick up time. We also ask parents to monitor the Bus Delay website to get up-to-date information on the route status. The website will record if the bus is running more than 15 minutes late. 

Students in various programs are transported all over the county each day. If only a portion of the school system were to close, students who live in the "closed" area may still need to get to schools that are open, and vice-versa. Buses are used numerous times every day for runs all over the county and a bus housed in a closed portion of the system may still need to be available to serve open schools. There are also many teachers and specialists who work in numerous buildings across the county.

Northern states have more snow clearing capability because of higher average snowfalls making them better equipped to deal quickly with winter weather. Since the D.C. metropolitan area seldom gets significant amounts of snow, it takes a little longer for the roadways to be cleared and made safe to transport our children.

It is the responsibility of each individual building custodian to clear the sidewalks in front of the school. It is the responsibility of homeowners and businesses to clear the sidewalks in front of their properties. All roads, including major roads and neighborhood streets, are maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). To report unsafe conditions call the  VDOT Northern Virginia District Office  at 800-367-7623. TTY users call 711.

Weather Resources

For the latest snow information:

VDOT/The roads

VDOT owns the majority of roads in Fairfax County and they are in charge of plowing them.

Fairfax County Police

Power outages

If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the County’s non-emergency police phone number: 703-691-2131.

Be sure your pet is warm and has adequate care and shelter. Adequate shelter requires that the shelter:

  • Be suitable for the species, age, condition, size, and type of each animal.
  • Provide adequate space for each animal.
  • Be safe and protect each animal from injury during rain, sleet, snow, and ice.
  • Protect each animal from adverse effects of heat or cold and physical suffering.
  • Protect each animal from impairment of health.
  • Be properly lighted and properly cleaned.
  • Enables each animal to be clean and dry, except when detrimental to the species.
  • Provide a solid surface, resting platform, pad, floormat, or similar device that is large enough.

Activities and Resources for Inclement Weather Days

There are lots of opportunities for learning at home during inclement weather days. 

Snow Day and Winter Break Activities for All Ages

Here are some activity suggestions that can help students combine fun and learning on snow days or during winter break.

Extracurricular Activity During Extreme Hot and Humid Weather Conditions

Learn why athletic activities may be impacted by certain environmental conditions.

Related Pages

Weather Safety

Weather safety resources and information

Emergency Planning and Crisis Response

Get the most accurate information from FCPS on how to prepare yourself and your family in the event of a crisis or emergency, and learn what shelter-in-place, secure the building, and lockdown mean.

School Bus Services

Everyone has a role in getting to school safely, from walkers to bus riders to bus drivers, parents, and motorists.

Transportation Services

Transportation Services is responsible for providing the safe and efficient transportation of students to and from schools and activities. Parking is limited at many FCPS facilities and buildings. Get familiar with the school bus, student, and visitor parking. Stay up to date on school bus…

Superintendent's Weather Message for 12/15/22

Message from Dr. Michelle Reid

What is an Advocate?

Information on parent rights and responsibilities, guidance on how to navigate the school system and how to advocate on behalf of your student.