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Pasteleria Lorena, a popular chain of bakeries in certain areas of El Salvador, just opened its very first location in the DMV.

Lorena’s Bakery opened its doors on Saturday in Manassas, Virginia, where people can find pastries, different types of breads and beverages that transport customers to El Salvador.

“It's like a piece of their homeland. You know what I mean?” said Lorena’s Bakery owner Miriam Lorena Rodriguez. “Because there isn't a wide variety of traditional bakeries that are based on Salvadorian — there are a variety of Salvadoran bakeries, but we focus more on tradition, so what we want from there is a piece of, how can I say, nostalgia.”

The bakery is very popular among Salvadorans in their country and in the U.S., especially those who live in San Miguel.

And opening in this area made sense taking into account the DMV has one of the highest populations of Salvadorans in the U.S., with more than 200,000 of them, according to Migration Policy Institute data.

“It's nice to see our Hispanic Heritage coming to America and especially the DMV,” one customer at the opening told News4.

“It's like a Spanish bakery, and it's good to support our community,” another said. “Our people try something new because we love our bread, you know, our pumpkin cafe in the morning. So I thought we’d just come and try it out and see how good it is.”

For many Latino families, at the end of the day, it's not only about sharing recipes and food that remind them of home, but it's about preserving their family legacy.

“You know, as little [kids] you don't understand the situation at that moment, it's like, ‘Oh my God, I'm gonna make bread and I'm grounded instead of being on vacation.’ It became something that now in my adulthood, I feel really appreciative with that from my dad,” Rodriguez said. “And it turns something into a passion — into a dream that it finally comes true.”

A Tornado Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued earlier today (Monday) for Fairfax County have been canceled or expired, but an Areal Flood Warning is now in effect until 6:30 p.m.

“Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring,” the 3:33 p.m. alert said. “Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable.”

According to the NWS, runoff combined with 1 to 2 inches of rain has resulted in “multiple” reports of flooding along I-495 south of the American Legion Bridge. An additional half-inch of rain is possible in the warned area, which includes Tysons, Reston, Annandale, Vienna, Falls Church, Burke and Chantilly.

A few roads across the county have closed since rain began to fall in earnest earlier this afternoon. According to Fairfax Alerts:

This morning, the NWS issued a Tornado Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, originally scheduling the former to stay in place until 7 p.m. today, with thunderstorms and strong winds forecast throughout the afternoon and evening.

“Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes are likely this afternoon and evening,” the NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook just after 11 a.m. “There is the potential for significant damage from wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph as well as an isolated stronger tornado.”

A #TornadoWatch has been issued for NOVA District through 7pm this evening. Damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are possible. Have a plan in place to seek a substantial shelter if needed. Report road hazards to https://t.co/12wxgee8pi or 800-FOR-ROAD. pic.twitter.com/90QFyLQWsd

— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) March 16, 2026

????️ Tornadoes can strike quickly—be prepared! If you're in a house ????, head to the lowest level or an interior room like a bathroom or closet with no windows. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible. Remember, cover your head and neck to protect yourself. pic.twitter.com/hrRDYZybnK

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) March 16, 2026

In fact, thunderstorms bringing 60 mph wind gusts have already been spotted in the Fredericksburg area, moving northeast toward Northern Virginia, prompting the NWS to issue the thunderstorm warning at 11:17 a.m.

The warning initially applied to southwestern Fairfax County, including Centreville and Clifton, before shifting to northern Fairfax until 12:30 p.m.

“Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall,” the NWS said. “This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible.”

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Centreville VA, Dale City VA and Manassas VA until 12:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/G0wTJ77V5o

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 16, 2026

In anticipation of the severe weather, Fairfax County Public Schools announced last night that students will be released three hours early and all afternoon activities on school grounds will be canceled.

George Mason University is also calling off in-person classes and events on its campuses after 1:30 p.m., advising students to wait for more information about alternative plans from their instructors.

“It is anticipated that the university will resume normal operations on Tuesday,” GMU said. “Employees are expected to continue their work responsibilities remotely, regardless of scheduled telework days or agreements.”

In addition, Fairfax County is granting all local government employees unscheduled leave starting at 1 p.m. The county’s circuit, general district and juvenile courts and the main courthouse will close early at 1 p.m., and all community centers, recreation centers and libraries will close at 5 p.m.

Early voting at the Mount Vernon and North County governmental centers on Virginia’s redistricting referendum will be cut off at 4:30 p.m. instead of the usual 7 p.m. closing time. The Fairfax County Government Center site closes at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays anyway.

Travelers flying into or out of Dulles International and Reagan National airports could face flight cancellations or delays.

Due to potentially hazardous weather, satellite early voting locations at Mt. Vernon and North County governmental centers will close at 4:30 p.m. today instead of 7 p.m. The Government Center location will close at 4:30 p.m. as scheduled.

Info: https://t.co/dJRYCD6ER9 pic.twitter.com/Dl1itfs36D

— Fairfax County Votes (@fairfaxvotes) March 16, 2026

With the forecast for severe weather this afternoon in the D.C. area, some flights could be delayed or canceled. Please confirm the status of your flight with your airline before coming to the airport. pic.twitter.com/hJ4UgpD1Qy

— Dulles Airport (IAD) (@Dulles_Airport) March 16, 2026

The full Areal Flood Warning is below.

…FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 630 PM EDT THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…Small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

* WHERE…Portions of central Maryland, including the following county, Montgomery and northern Virginia, including the following county, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church and Fairfax.

* WHEN…Until 630 PM EDT.

* IMPACTS…Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – At 333 PM EDT, emergency management reported that increased runoff combined with 1 to 2 inches of rain has led to multiple reports of small stream flooding of roads along with storm drain flooding along the I-495 south of the American Legion bridge. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen.

– Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. – Some locations that will experience flooding include… Centreville… Rockville… Bethesda… Reston… Annandale… Fairfax… Vienna… Falls Church… Mantua… Pimmit Hills… Mclean… American Legion Bridge… Potomac… North Bethesda… Burke… Oakton… North Potomac… Chantilly… Tysons Corner… Wolf Trap… – Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe.

Severe weather prompted closures across Northern Virginia on Monday, March 16, 2026, as a Tornado Watch covered the region and multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms threatened damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

Key Takeaways

– Date, Time, Place: Monday, March 16, 2026; ongoing severe weather threat through evening; impacts Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and surrounding Northern Virginia areas.

– Prince William County government offices closed for the day due to high winds and possible tornadoes; Stafford County government, courts, landfill, recycling, Voter Registrar’s Office, and early voting close early or fully.

– Schools in Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Stafford adjusted with early dismissals, closures, or remote learning to protect students ahead of afternoon and evening storms.

– A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. EDT across much of Virginia, including Prince William, Stafford, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties, with primary risks of damaging gusts up to 70-80 mph, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.

Prince William County government announced a full closure of offices on Monday, March 16, 2026, citing the potential impacts of severe weather expected to bring high winds and possible tornadoes to the region. This decision prioritizes employee and public safety amid forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS).

In Stafford County, the General District, Circuit, and Juvenile/Domestic Relations courts closed at noon. Stafford County government operations, the Regional Landfill, and Belman Recycling closed at 2 p.m. The Voter Registrar’s Office also closed at 2 p.m., ending all early voting for the day. All parks activities were canceled.

Schools across the region took proactive steps. Prince William County Public Schools closed two hours early, canceling field trips, after-school activities, athletics, and School Age Child Care, with buildings closing by 4 p.m. Manassas City Public Schools followed an early release schedule with no PreK and all after-school activities canceled. Manassas Park City Schools dismissed two hours early—middle and high schools at 12:15 p.m., elementary at 1:15 p.m.—and canceled after-school events. Stafford County Public Schools closed fully, shifting to asynchronous remote learning with assignments counting toward attendance; free meals were offered at select locations.

An earlier Tornado Warning for parts of Loudoun County, including Ashburn, Sterling, and Broadlands, expired at 11:30 a.m. EDT, but the broader Tornado Watch 67 continues until 7 p.m. EDT, covering Prince William County, Stafford County, Manassas, Manassas Park, and much of Northern Virginia.

Multiple rounds of storms are forecast. An initial wave moved through central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, reaching the Baltimore/Washington metro area around or after noon. Additional batches, including a potential squall line, could develop mid to late afternoon and evening, overlapping the I-95 corridor commute.

Primary threats include damaging wind gusts up to 70-80 mph in bowed-out segments of storm lines, large hail, and isolated tornadoes—particularly from discrete supercells or spin-ups along quasi-linear convective systems (QLCS). Ample deep-layer shear and clearing morning stratus support instability.

Northern Virginia communities face heightened exposure as storms track eastward. Gusty southerly winds may reach 30-40 mph outside convection, with higher gusts in the mountains. Post-frontal colder air arrives, bringing below-normal temperatures Tuesday and Wednesday, plus upslope snow showers west of the Alleghenies.

Residents should monitor NWS updates via NOAA Weather Radio, local apps, or official sources. Identify a safe place and stay weather-aware throughout the day.

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> This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Potomac Local News editors for accuracy and clarity.

Severe weather prompts widespread school adjustments across Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg on Monday, March 16, as a strong cold front brings risks of damaging winds over 70 mph and possible tornadoes.

Prince William County Public Schools will dismiss two hours early, Manassas Park City Schools will dismiss two hours early with specific times by level, Manassas City Public Schools will operate on early release with no PreK, while Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg City Public Schools will close fully or shift to remote learning.

Key Takeaways

– Date, Time, Place: Monday, March 16, 2026; affecting schools in Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg City in Northern Virginia.

– Multiple school divisions announced early dismissals, full closures, or remote learning to protect students and staff from severe storms expected late afternoon into evening.

– The National Weather Service forecasts significant damaging winds, potential tornadoes, and widespread severe thunderstorms from a potent cold front.

– This matters locally as families in Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Fredericksburg prepare for hazardous conditions during school hours.

– Superintendents and school administrations across these divisions drove the decisions to prioritize safety amid heightened severe weather threats.

A powerful storm system approaches the Mid-Atlantic, leading school divisions in Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg to adjust schedules for Monday, March 16, 2026.

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) will dismiss students two hours early to allow safe travel home before severe storms arrive late afternoon or early evening. The National Weather Service warns of potential significant wind damage with gusts exceeding 70 mph.

PWCS will monitor conditions closely. If tornado or high wind watches are issued, outdoor students and those in trailers move inside. Tornado warnings trigger crisis plans and family notifications. Buses run in standard order: high school, middle, and elementary.

Morning and full-day preschool dismiss early; no afternoon preschool. Field trips, late activities, athletics, after-school events, and School Age Child Care (SACC) are canceled. Lunch served, possibly adjusted. Buildings close by 4 p.m.; administrators stay until buses clear. Certain student-facing staff may leave early after students depart, credited up to two hours; others stay their normal schedule.

In Stafford County Public Schools, all schools and offices close fully due to severe weather risks, including strong tornado potential. All after-school activities cancel. Students shift to asynchronous remote learning; assignments count for attendance. Contact teachers for power, internet, or assignment issues. Free meals available 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Edward E. Drew Middle School and Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School.

Spotsylvania County Public Schools will close with asynchronous remote learning for students on March 16 (Code 3). 12-month employees report on time. All school and non-school activities, day and evening, cancel.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed to students and staff on March 16 due to the severe weather system. 12-month employees complete flexible hours remotely or at the worksite. All buildings close at noon. After-school activities canceled. Essential personnel contact supervisors for report times. Free meals available for pickup 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at each school.

Manassas City Public Schools operate on an early release schedule on Monday due to high winds and potential tornado activity. No PreK. All after-school activities are canceled.

Manassas Park City Schools will dismiss two hours early on March 16 due to dangerous afternoon storms. Middle and high school dismiss at 12:15 p.m.; elementary schools at 1:15 p.m. All after-school activities are canceled.

The National Weather Service highlights a strong cold front bringing gusty winds and severe thunderstorms capable of significant damaging winds and tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center notes a Moderate Risk (Level 4/5) for severe weather, mainly along and east of the Blue Ridge, with potential for widespread damaging winds (65-75 mph gusts) and some tornado risk from supercells or squall lines. Timing expected early afternoon through evening, followed by post-frontal cooling.

These coordinated adjustments across Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg reflect a focus on safety for students, families, and staff amid active severe weather threats in the region.

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MANASSAS, VA — The Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins combined restaurant at 7421 Sudley Road in Manassas will host a grand reopening celebration on Saturday, March 14. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., welcoming guests to the newly remodeled restaurant.

Attendees can receive a free medium hot or iced coffee during the event hours. Other activities include a Dunkin’-branded prize wheel, merchandise giveaways, music, and face painting, according to a news release. The celebration also features $1.99 single scoops of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins throughout the day.

Local franchisees Andy and David Cabral will conduct an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:45 a.m. During the ceremony, they will present a $500 donation to House of Mercy. Following the ribbon-cutting, Dunkin’ of Manassas will award free coffee for ayear to the first 100 guests in line.

The 2,500-square-foot restaurant operates 24 hours a day and employs about 17 crew members. This Manassas location is part of the Vigario Management franchise group, which owns and operates 25 locations across Virginia.

The remodeled restaurant features a modern design, complimentary Wi-Fi and has a front-facing bakery case for a closer look at its baked goods. Also new is a tap system for cold beverages and an area dedicated to mobile pickups for Dunkin’ Rewards members. Guests who order ahead via the mobile app can track their order status on a new digital board.

This Dunkin’ is also a DD Green Achievement restaurant, designed to save 25% more energy compared to a standard Dunkin’ location. The design incorporates an open layout, specific colors, and materials intended to create a positive and energetic environment, the company saod.

About Dunkin’: Founded in 1950, Dunkin' is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 14,000 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.