After a couple days where temperatures ticked above freezing, the D.C. region will see a return of the frigid weather responsible for the “snowcrete” still piled up on many sidewalks and roadways.
The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Cold and High Wind warnings for the region, including Fairfax County, that are scheduled to take effect at 4 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday).
Wind gusts of up to 60 mph could result in “dangerously cold” wind chills of 10 degrees below zero or even lower, according to the NWS. Power outages, challenging travel conditions and hypothermia are possible.
Fairfax County advises securing outdoor items, charging phones, laptops and battery packs, and layering up if you absolutely have to go outside. Allowing a “very thin drip” of water from faucets and opening cabinet doors under sinks could help prevent pipes from freezing.
“Check in on elderly neighbors or those with medical needs to ensure they have adequate heat,” the county said in an emergency blog post. “Bring all pets indoors. If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for them.”
The extreme cold could refreeze much of the snow and ice from Winter Storm Fern that had finally started to melt, creating potential obstacles to Fairfax County Public Schools’ goal of starting classes on time next week after two weeks of snow days and two-hour delays.
While transit services are back up and running, Fairfax Connector still has a few routes operating on snow detours, and many sidewalks and bus stops remain blocked. The bus system notes that clearing sidewalks is typically the responsibility of adjacent property owners, not the county or Virginia Department of Transportation.
“During inclement weather, bus operators are instructed to board and alight passengers at the safest location near the bus stop when the designated stop is inaccessible,” Fairfax Connector said in a notice on snow and ice removal.
The full warnings from the National Weather Service are below:
EXTREME COLD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 A.M. SATURDAY TO 10 A.M. EST SUNDAY.
* WHAT…For the Extreme Cold Warning, dangerously cold wind chills around or lower than 10 degrees below zero expected. For the High Wind Warning, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central and southern Maryland, and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…For the Extreme Cold Warning, from 4 AM Saturday to 10 AM EST Sunday. For the High Wind Warning, from 4 AM to 7 PM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Wind chills are expected to remain below zero for at least 24 hours beginning Saturday morning and continuing through late Sunday morning. Being outdoors for a prolonged period of time will be life-threatening.
Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.
Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
If you do not have heat in your home or lack shelter, you can call 211 or visit your local county or city website for assistance locating appropriate shelter from the cold.
