Countywide

JUST IN: Multiple storm warnings issued for Fairfax County

By FFXnow.com
A Fairfax County Fire and Rescue engine drives down Church Street in Vienna during a thunderstorm (photo by Amy Woolsey)

Fairfax County is under several Severe Thunderstorm Warnings this afternoon.

Strong, slow-moving storms popped up over the county shortly before 4 p.m. and have continued to overspread the area. The warnings cover Tysons, Centreville, Vienna, Oakton and other areas.

The severe storms are packing wind gusts of up to 60 mph and possible hail, forecasters say.

“Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall,” the National Weather Service said in one of the warnings. “This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.”

More from the National Weather Service:

In addition to the warnings, Fairfax County and other parts of the region are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 11 p.m.

At 4:17 p.m., an Areal Flood Watch was issued for Fairfax County until midnight.

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE…Portions of central Maryland, including the following areas, Central and Southeast Montgomery and Northwest Montgomery, northern Virginia, including the following area, Fairfax, and
eastern West Virginia, including the following areas, Eastern Grant, Eastern Pendleton and Western Pendleton.

* WHEN…Until midnight EDT tonight.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Widespread thunderstorms are expected this evening. These thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall, with localized rainfall totals of two to four inches possible within a one to two hour period. This may result in flash flooding of small streams and creeks as well as urban and poor drainage areas.
– Please visit weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

About the Author

  • FFXnow is the definitive local news source for Fairfax County, featuring countywide coverage and hyperlocal reporting on the Reston and Tysons areas. This article was written by an editor or other member of FFXnow's full-time staff.