First Snow Of 2025: Snow Removal Policies To Know In Manassas

MANASSAS, VA — It won't take long in the new year for the first snow to blanket the region. Forecasters are expecting a winter storm to bring accumulating snow to Manassas and the rest of Northern Virginia Sunday into Monday.

In the City of Manassas, the city and residents share responsibilities for snow removal. The city's street department is tasked with treating streets and removing snow in the public right of way on over 254 lane miles within city limits. The city also clears public spaces such as city schools, commuter rail and public parking lots, City Hall, the Animal Shelter, Boys and Girls Club, Public Works Facility, fire and rescue and police facilities.

If there is enough snow, the city may declare a snow emergency. That means residents cannot park on roads that are snow emergency routes. Even if a snow emergency hasn't been declared yet, the city is asking residents to limit on-street parking to facilitate snow removal.

Residents can see a map of snow emergency routes in the city here.

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Snow plowing typically begins when snow accumulates to about two to three inches. The first streets plowed are primary streets, followed by secondary streets and the 12 residential sections.

As for snow removal on sidewalks, the responsibility lies with property owners or occupants. Snow must be removed from sidewalks 24 hours after the snow stops, or 48 hours for accumulations above six inches. The city manager has discretion to modify the times if a snow emergency occurs. A violation may result in a cost to the occupant or property owner.

In Prince William County, the Virginia Department of Transportation is largely responsible for snow removal. Plowing priority is given to snow emergency routes, then interstates, high-volume routes, main routes in neighborhoods, residential streets and cul-de-sacs. Residents can follow real-time plowing information from VDOT.

Clearing sidewalks is not required but encouraged by Prince William County. Homeowners associations may have their own policies on requiring residents to clear sidewalks. The county recommends clearing snow off sidewalks to help pedestrians such as school children, people with disabilities and older adults.

Tips from the city on snow removal include:

• Prepare for winter by getting your snow tools ready early.
• Listen for information on weather conditions and stay prepared.
• Pre-treat driveways, paths and sidewalks before the snow begins to fall.
• Clear snow from the center of your driveway to the outer edges with a snow shovel.
• Clear snow early and often. It's easier to remove large snowfalls little by little instead of all at once.
• Stretch or perform light exercise for 10 minutes before shoveling snow.
• Please do not shovel snow into the street. It poses a danger to vehicles and pedestrians.
• All sidewalks must be cleared within 24 (6" or less) 48 hours (6" or more) of snowfall ending.