A thunderstorm is bearing down on Fairfax County, bringing some potential, albeit limited relief from the ongoing heat wave.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the D.C. area, including northwestern Fairfax County. Damaging winds with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.
“At 252 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Ashburn to Reston, moving southeast at 15 mph,” the alert said.
In an update extending the warning from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., the NWS reported that a “70-mph wind gust was measured at Dulles International Airport.” The extended warning includes Fairfax City and central Fairfax County.
Even with a storm on the way, high temperatures and humidity are still expected to be a challenge tomorrow (Thursday).
The NWS has issued another Heat Advisory for the region that’s scheduled to take effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., predicting heat index values of up to 107 east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fairfax County will activate its emergency heat plan again, establishing cooling centers where people can find shelter and supplies.
See the full Severe Thunderstorm Warning below.
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for…Southwestern Montgomery County in central Maryland… Southeastern Loudoun County in northern Virginia…The City of Fairfax in northern Virginia… Northwestern Fairfax County in northern Virginia…
* Until 330 PM EDT.
* At 252 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Ashburn to Reston, moving southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. 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.
* Locations impacted include…
Centreville, Reston, Herndon, Fairfax, Vienna, Broadlands, Lansdowne, Lowes Island, Brambleton, Mantua, Pimmit Hills, Dulles International Airport, Ashburn, Oakton, Sterling, Chantilly, Tysons Corner, Wolf Trap, Great Falls, and Merrifield.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in Sterling Virginia.
Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature`s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
