Updated at 4:05 p.m. — A Coastal Flood Advisory issued for parts of Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, will now take effect at midnight, earlier than initially anticipated, the National Weather Service says.
Earlier: It’s going to be a cold and rainy weekend in Fairfax County, thanks to Tropical Storm Ophelia.
Tracking to make landfall in North Carolina today (Friday), the storm is expected to reach Northern Virginia tonight with “heavy rain, high winds, and cool temperatures” continuing into Sunday (Sept. 24) morning, according to the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management.
“Locally, [the National Weather Service] expects 2-4 inches of rain throughout the weekend,” the county said in a post on its emergency information blog. “Since the precipitation will be spread across the weekend, flooding is not a major concern but could cause some localized flooding issues. Wind speeds will gradually increase, peaking around 40 mph on Saturday.”
The storm has already affected some major events, prompting cancellations of the popular Reston Multicultural Festival, the inaugural Fairfax Fiesta in Tysons and a kick-off for National Public Lands Day in Annandale. Other events, like Fairfax City’s Fiesta Fairfax, have been relocated indoors.
⛈️ @NWS_baltwash predicts heavy rain and high winds this weekend in our county and the Northern Virginia region.
Here's a list of who to contact if you see a downed tree or wires: https://t.co/i7SQlNMz9f
If there’s an immediate life-safety issue, call or text 9-1-1. pic.twitter.com/TgPlyN72nC
— Fairfax County Government 🇺🇸 (@fairfaxcounty) September 22, 2023
The NWS has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory and a Wind Advisory for much of the D.C. area, including Fairfax County.
The flood advisory will be in effect from noon tomorrow (Saturday) to 5 a.m. Sunday:
* WHAT…Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low lying areas due to tidal flooding.
* WHERE…Fairfax, Stafford and Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park Counties.
* WHEN…From noon Saturday to 5 AM EDT Sunday, especially around the time of high tide.
* IMPACTS…Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Tides one and a half to two feet above normal. The worst flooding will occur with the Saturday afternoon and Saturday night high tides.
The Wind Advisory will take effect at 8 a.m. tomorrow and last until 8 p.m., warning that northeast winds could reach 20 to 30 mph with up to 45-mph gusts. The NWS notes that the “gusty winds” could blow around objects and result in power outages.
“The combination of a long period of gusty winds and increasingly saturated grounds from rain will result in a higher likelihood for downed trees across the area,” the NWS said.
[9/22 at 2:18 PM] The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory
⏰ Sat., 9/23, from 8 AM to 8 PM
💨 20-30 mph winds w/ gusts up to 45 mph
🔌May cause scattered power outages
❗️Secure any loose outdoor items
💻 Sign up for Fairfax Alerts, https://t.co/0oKPVNMJwC #VaWx pic.twitter.com/ky1ZB5Gmxn— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) September 22, 2023
In anticipation of the severe weather, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a State of Emergency, activating the Commonwealth’s emergency operations plan and putting the National Guard on alert.
The Virginia State Police says residents should avoid driving during the storm “to prevent unnecessary traffic crashes from occurring on Virginia’s highways,” advising that those who do travel should slow down, turn around if they encounter standing water, buckle up and check that their vehicle is in good condition.
Virginia Department of Transportation crews have been inspecting and clearing drainage facilities and preparing equipment in advance of the storm, according to a news release.
“VDOT crews stand ready to respond to any unsafe travel conditions and any damage resulting from the storm,” the department said.
Metro says it is monitoring conditions, including by placing sandbags in areas prone to flooding.
“Customers are encouraged to stay safe during inclement weather,” the transit agency said. “Downed trees and flying debris may create hazards, and slippery conditions are expected on roads, walkways, and in stations. Please use caution, avoid rushing for trains or buses, use handrails for stability, and allow additional travel time this weekend. Consider postponing unnecessary travel during periods of high winds and heavy rain.”
Recent Stories
Good Wednesday evening, Fairfax County. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar. 🕗 News recap The following articles were published earlier…
Fairfax Connector will pull into the Fairfax County Government Center soon for its first-ever Winterfest. Space is quickly disappearing for the public bus system’s holiday event, which will take place…
A solo exhibition by sculptor and microbiologist Kendall Buster will descend on Reston’s Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art on Dec. 9. The exhibit, SEED, is presented in conjunction with Buster’s…
A coffee shop inspired by Saudi Arabia’s cafe culture is now bringing that hip energy to both Tysons malls.
Shotted has gained a loyal following, especially within the D.C. area’s Muslim community, since opening a kiosk at Tysons Corner Center in 2020. Three years later, Shotted has expanded for the first time with a new branch in Tysons Galleria.
Art House 7 warmly welcomes you to our upcoming Fall 2 session of classes starting on October 30th. We’re thrilled to offer a diverse range of mediums and flexible class lengths, catering to a wide age range, starting from as young as 2, and, of course, providing a multitude of engaging options for adults!
Our classes cover an exciting spectrum of creative mediums, including fiber arts such as knitting, modern embroidery, crochet, and sewing. We also offer classes in ceramics on the wheel, drawing, watercolor, gouache, oil, acrylic, still-life painting, and captivating Japanese Suminagashi and printmaking. One of the highlights of this session is the highly anticipated 5-week “Painting the Portrait and Figure” workshop, led by the renowned local artist, Danni Dawson.
For our younger artists, we have specially designed classes like “Art Exploration through Impressionism” for students in kindergarten through 5th grade, an engaging “Art Together” parent-child class designed for 2–4-year-olds, and a “Teen Taught Art Club” tailored for kindergarteners through 4th graders.
The Nutcracker presented by the Ravel Dance Company
The Ravel Dance Company will present the beloved holiday tradition The Nutcracker. It is Christmas Eve and the Stahlbaum family’s daughter Clara has received a Nutcracker from the mysterious toymaker and godfather Herr Drosselmeyer. Follow her journey through the Pine
Winter Wonderland Fundraiser
Proceeds benefit Fellowship Square, improving the lives of 800+ older adults with very limited income and resources by providing affordable housing and supportive services.
Experience a festive holiday fundraiser complete with savory wines & craft beers, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, exciting
