On January 21, heavy snow started falling shortly before noon.  After school was dismissed at 2:15, buses were packed, and, because several roads roads were closed, students waited at school or on buses in order to get home.

Most students had hoped for an early release due to the anticipated snow. Even though the snow looks beautiful, people who had to drive home were worried.  The FCPS Twitter feed was alive with complaints. For example, one user tweeted a photo of his car accident at FCPS with the remark, “Thanks.”

According to National Weather Service Forecast Office, the total snowfall in New Market was over three inches in the late afternoon. FCPS released a statement on Twitter concerning the decision not to close early,  “In no scenario would an early school closing have been safer than waiting for the worst of the storm to pass.”

The following day, schools were delayed 2 hours.