Fauquier County Department of

Fire Rescue and Emergency Management

2016-01 Winter Weather

Situation Report # 1

1730 Friday, January 22, 2016

SITUATION
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT STATUS

RESPONSE OPERATIONS

EVENT SUMMARY:
A significant winter storm began to impact the county Friday, January 22nd and is expected to continue
through Saturday night. The combination of heavy snow, blowing snow and gusty winds will cause a very
dangerous situation and necessary steps should be taken to avoid travel. The NWS is currently predicting 1117 tonight, 7-11 Saturday and 1-3 Saturday night. Fauquier County remains under a winter storm warning
through Sunday morning. There is a concern about heavy snow loads and strong winds causing power
outages and downed limbs/trees.
The Governor of Virginia has declared a state of emergency as of 0800 hours Thursday, January 21st.
Fauquier County declared a local emergency at 1000 hours the same date. VDOT is advising stay off the
roads as early on Friday as possible.

SITUATION

A conference call was held today at 1600 hours with DFREM staff and Volunteer Fire Companies. A few
requests for information are being processed. Follow up will be made as needed. Another conference call will
be held Saturday. Time to be determined and announced.
UFO can be reached at 540/422-8640 in Communications. The EOC main number is 540/422-8810.

WEATHER FORECAST
Tonight

Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Widespread blowing
snow after 1am. Low around 24. Blustery, with a north wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as
36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 11 to 17 inches possible.

Saturday

Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Some thunder is also possible. Widespread blowing
snow. High near 29. Blustery, with a north wind 21 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 7 to 11 inches possible.

Saturday Night

Snow, mainly before 1am. The snow could be heavy at times. Widespread blowing snow. Low
around 18. Blustery, with a north wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of
precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

ADVISORIES, WATCHES OR WARNINGS:

Winter Storm Warning in effect from Friday, January 22 at 1300 hours to Sunday, January 24 at 0600 hours.

DFREM SITUATION REPORT

GRAPHIC

GRAPHIC

DFREM SITUATION REPORT

ACTIONS
CURRENT ACTIONS
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is monitoring forecasts and information from NWS and providing
situational awareness. The Fauquier County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened at noon on January
22nd. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the EOC at (540) 422-8810. This is a change from the
previous number given of (540) 422-8830.

ANTICIPATED ACTIONS
OEM will continue to monitor forecasts and provide updated situation reports throughout the event. The EOC is
expected to remain open until Monday morning, January 25th. Informational bulletins/situation reports will be
provided every 12 hours.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov/lwx/

Preparedness Information: www.fauquierfirerescue.org

ACTIONS

VDOT at: www.va511.org

DFREM SITUATION REPORT