Author: FFXnow.com

(Updated at 8:50 a.m.) Saturday Storm Affects Power, Trees — “Wind damage — mainly downed trees — occurred all over the region, including northern Virginia, the District and Maryland. Some trees fell onto homes and cars. In many instances, roads were blocked. But the winds also toppled portable toilets and street signs and tore shingles off roofs.” [The Washington Post]

Police Launch Final Week of Road Safety Campaign — “We start our fourth and final wave of the successful ‘Road Shark’ campaign on Monday, July 31 through Sunday, August 6. During this high-visibility and coordinated enforcement, FCPD continues to deter aggressive driving, reduce crashes, and change driving behavior.” [FCPD]

Excessive Heat Warning Issued for Today — The alert will take effect in the D.C. area, including Fairfax County, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. With “dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 110 expected,” the “potential for heat related illnesses” is increased, especially “for those working or participating in outdoor activities.” [NWS]

Proposed Apartments Could Displace Annandale Retailers — “The Eastgate mixed-use development proposed for John Marr Drive in Annandale will have 280 apartments, ground-floor retail, and an above-ground garage…The six-story apartment building will displace The Block, the Pelicana chicken restaurant, Kimen Ramen & Izakaya, and B-Thrifty,” though the food hall could move to the new building’s ground floor. [Annandale Today]

D.C. Area Braces for Heat Wave — “The heat could challenge several calendar day records for both afternoon highs and warm nighttime lows. And there’s a chance Washington could see the air temperature touch the century mark for the first time since Aug. 15, 2016. Significant relief…is not anticipated until Sunday.” [Capital Weather Gang]

Heat Cancels Pickleball in Herndon — “Attention pickleball players! Due to the high heat index and moving summer camps inside, drop-in pickleball for Thursday, July 27, is canceled. Your safety is our top concern, and we apologize for any inconvenience. Stay hydrated and cool, and we’ll resume soon!” [Herndon Parks & Recreation/Twitter]

New Dunkin’ Donuts Coming to Woodlawn — “The next-generation Dunkin’ under construction at Woodlawn Shopping Center is tentatively slated to open toward the end of third quarter 2023, according to the public relations firm for the ownership group. The store originally had hoped to be open for business early this year.” [On the MoVe]

Taller Metro Fare Gate Installations Begin — “After more than half a year of testing, Metro has finalized a taller faregate design that will roll out across the entire rail system in the coming year. The goal is to reduce fare evasion, which costs the agency about $40 million a year.” Vienna will be the first Fairfax County station to get the new gates, likely in early fall. [DCist]

County on the Lookout for Spotted Lanternfly — “Fairfax County Forest Pest Management unit…is asking County residents to help slow the spread of this invasive pest by being vigilant about not moving spotted lanternfly life stages when traveling through known infested areas and to vacuum nymphs and adults with a shop vac and scrape egg masses into a container of soapy water, as well as report sightings.” [DPWES]

Longtime Seven Corners Clothing Store to Move — “After outfitting local healthcare workers for 20 years, Gallo Clothing in the Seven Corners Shopping Center is closing for good. The store’s last day is Thursday, July 27. Meanwhile, just about everything in the store is marked down 25 to 75 percent…The landlord is raising the rent, so Gallo Clothing is relocating, says manager Doris Zelaya.” [Annandale Today]