Cold Weather

While winter temperatures in Virginia rarely close schools, arctic air can still present hazards—especially when combined with brisk winds that create dangerously cold wind chill values. FCPS takes proactive steps to protect students, staff, and visitors during periods of extreme cold, including:

• Monitoring NWS forecasts and wind chill advisories.
• Adjusting outdoor activities, such as recess or athletics, based on safety thresholds.
• Ensuring building heating systems are functioning and entry points are secure to retain warmth.
• Communicating safety reminders to families and staff.

Simple precautions—like dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors—can prevent most cold-weather injuries.

• Learn more about FCPS' Weather Cancellation Procedures .
• Learn more about Cold Weather Safety from the NWS.

Hot Weather

High heat and humidity can quickly become dangerous, especially for adults working outdoors and student athletes. FCPS uses NWS and Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) alerts to guide decisions, including:

• Extreme Heat Watch – Potential for heat index higher than or equal to 110°F in next 24–48 hours.
• Heat Advisory – Heat index expected to reach 105–109°F in next 12–24 hours.
• Extreme Heat Warning – Heat index expected to reach higher than or equal to 110°F in next 12–24 hours.
• Code Red (Ozone) – Unhealthy air quality expected in the afternoon.
• Code Purple (Ozone) – Very unhealthy air quality expected in the afternoon.

When a heat advisory or higher alert is issued, FCPS will usually:

• Cancel most outdoor activities, including recess.
• Modify or relocate athletics based on wet bulb globe temperature readings.
• Encourage hydration and frequent breaks for anyone outdoors.
• Communicate safety precautions to families and staff.

Learn more about preparing for extreme heat and tips for staying cool from Ready.gov.

Severe Thunderstorms

WATCH

A situation identified and broadcast by the NWS, in which conditions exist that may develop into a severe thunderstorm.

During a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, FCPS teachers and staff monitor their weather radios, news media, and their local weather conditions. In coordination with our Office of Safety and Security, teachers and staff take appropriate action when necessary to keep students safe.

WARNING

This is a warning issued by the NWS that severe thunderstorms are occurring.

During a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, teachers and staff monitor their weather radios, news media, and their local weather conditions. They also stay alert for warning signs of an approaching tornado. It’s important to remember that a severe thunderstorm does not necessarily mean that a tornado will happen, but all  tornadoes happen during severe thunderstorms. If sustained winds from a thunderstorm exceed 75 mph, teachers, students, staff, and visitors of all non-masonry buildings (such as trailers and pods) are evacuated to the main school building. Tornado shelter areas are not used until a tornado warning is issued or any of the common tornado warning signs are detected by teachers and staff.

Thunderstorms

FCPS prioritizes the safety of all students, especially during severe weather events like thunderstorms. To ensure protection—particularly for those participating in outdoor activities such as athletics or recess—FCPS follows a series of well-defined safety procedures.

School staff and athletic personnel actively monitor real-time weather conditions using trusted sources, including the NWS. Many schools also rely on mobile alert apps to receive immediate notifications when lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius.

At the first sign of lightning or thunder, all outdoor activities are immediately suspended. Students and staff are directed to seek shelter in safe indoor locations, such as school buildings, avoiding open areas, tall trees, and metal structures. To ensure continued safety, FCPS follows the “30-minute rule”: No outdoor activity may resume until at least 30 minutes have passed since the last observed lightning or thunder. This timer resets with each new occurrence.

While indoors during a thunderstorm, students remain in supervised areas away from windows and electrical equipment. In the event that weather conditions cause delays or schedule changes, families will be promptly notified through text messages, email, and updates on the school’s website or official social media channels.

These procedures are in place to ensure a consistent and immediate response to thunderstorms, minimizing risk and keeping students safe at all times.

Stay Safe During Thunderstorms & Lightning

 If you are under a thunderstorm warning:

• When thunder roars, go indoors!  Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
• Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
• Avoid running water.
• Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Stay Safe After Thunderstorms & Lightning

• Pay attention to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

Flooding in Fairfax County can occur for a variety of reasons, and understanding the different types helps communities stay prepared. 

Urban flooding happens when heavy rainfall overwhelms stormwater drainage systems. This type of flooding is more likely in low-lying areas, places with inadequate stormwater infrastructure, areas with excessive impervious surfaces (like pavement and rooftops), or where drains are blocked.

Riverine flooding occurs when streams and rivers rise beyond their banks, flooding nearby properties and roadways. This is particularly common in areas located in or near designated floodplains.

Coastal flooding affects low-lying communities along the Potomac River and its tributaries. It can occur during high tides and, in some cases, even on clear, sunny days—a phenomenon often referred to as "sunny day flooding." The risk of coastal flooding increases significantly during storms such as hurricanes, which can push large volumes of water inland in what’s known as storm surge.

What FCPS Does During Flooding

When flooding impacts Fairfax County, FCPS closely monitors conditions in coordination with local emergency management and public safety agencies. We assess road and bridge conditions, school building accessibility, and the safety of bus routes before making decisions on school operations. If flooding poses a risk to student or staff safety, FCPS may delay openings, dismiss early, or close schools entirely. Outdoor activities are canceled when flood warnings are in effect, and students and staff are kept indoors if flood-prone areas are nearby. For schools located in or near floodplains, additional precautions are taken, including securing utility systems and coordinating with transportation teams to adjust pick-up and drop-off locations if needed. Communication with families is a priority, and updates are shared through multiple channels to ensure timely and accurate information.

Virginia experiences severe storms that produce tornadoes every year. While there is no prevention, there are steps that can, and must, be taken to protect everyone inside FCPS schools during these dangerous storms. Regulation 8625 prescribes the procedures and responsibilities designed to provide protection from tornadoes.

FCPS requires Tornado Drills to be completed once a year during the month of March.

WATCH During School Hours

When a Tornado Watch is issued by the NWS, teachers and staff at schools go on alert and watch for the warning signs of an approaching storm and the progression of the storm to a Tornado Warning. This is also done in coordination with the Office of Safety and Security.

During a Tornado Watch, teachers and staff will monitor their weather radios, news media, and their local weather conditions and take appropriate action, when necessary.

WARNINGS During School Hours

Tornado Safety Procedures During the School Day

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. In the event of a tornado warning, we follow established safety protocols to ensure everyone is protected. Students and staff located in temporary structures—such as trailers, modular buildings, or any other non-masonry structures—or outside on fields will immediately move into the main school building. All students and staff are trained and prepared to evacuate to designated interior tornado shelter areas within the school.

Our staff actively monitor weather radios, local news, and current conditions so they can respond quickly when a tornado warning is issued. When necessary, the following steps are taken:

• The tornado alarm is sounded.
• Students are directed to sit on the floor in shelter areas and wait quietly for further instructions.
• Students with physical disabilities are assisted to their designated shelter areas. Elevators may be used when appropriate.
• Staff will close classroom and hallway fire doors. If time permits, open windows may also be closed.
• Once everyone is in position, students are instructed to assume a protective posture—sitting or kneeling, facing interior walls, and away from windows and exterior walls.
• Staff remain alert for any changes in weather conditions.
• Please note: windows will  not be opened, and all outdoor FCPS-sponsored activities—including after-school events—are canceled during a tornado warning.

Key Differences in Procedures During Tornado Warnings Near Dismissal

While most tornado safety steps remain the same throughout the school day, there are a few important differences when a tornado warning occurs  near dismissal time :

• Student Release is Paused. Students  will not be released until the tornado warning has expired to ensure their safety.
• Parent Pickup is Allowed (with caution). Parents may choose to  pick up their children during the warning , but must understand that shelter-in-place procedures remain in effect until the all-clear is given.
• Bus Route Adjustments. Buses already in transit may either go to the  nearest school to safely shelter students inside, or continue their route if real-time weather conditions indicate it is safe to do so.

These additional precautions are specific to dismissal times due to the increased risk and logistical considerations of transitioning students during severe weather.