In case you didn’t get your fill of rain on Saturday (Jan. 6), another downpour could be in store for Fairfax County this week.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory for the mid-Atlantic region, including Fairfax County and the rest of northern Virginia, ahead of a storm that’s expected to travel up the East Coast tomorrow (Tuesday).
The current president and a long-serving member of the Fairfax County NAACP has died, the civil rights advocacy organization announced today (Monday).
The exact circumstances of Michelle Leete’s death weren’t addressed, but the organization described her passing as “sudden.”
Inova Revives Face Mask Requirements — “Effective Jan. 4, Inova is requiring that all patients, visitors and staff at emergency departments, emergency care centers and Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care centers wear masks to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.” As of Dec. 29, Virginia was “experiencing a ‘very high’ level of respiratory illness activity — including from COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.” [On the MoVe]
Leader of Fairfax-Based NRA Steps Down — “The longtime head of the National Rifle Association said Friday he is resigning, just days before the start of a civil trial over allegations he treated himself to millions of dollars in private jet flights, yacht trips, African safaris and other extravagant perks at the powerful gun rights organization’s expense.” [Associated Press/WTOP]
The season’s first winter storm is making its way toward the D.C. region, though the chances for serious snow in Fairfax County are iffy.
Instead, the county is expected to get a slushy mix of rain, snow and sleet, starting tomorrow (Saturday) morning. The precipitation could add up to an inch of snow and sleet accumulations, along with “a light glaze” of ice, according to a Winter Weather Advisory issued today by the National Weather Service.
Wintry Mix Expected From Storm in Fairfax County — “Storm Team4 is tracking a winter storm expected throughout Saturday and into early Sunday…The District and parts of Maryland and Virginia bordering the Capital Beltway will get a wintry mix, with snow arriving Saturday morning and then changing over to all rain. Not much snow accumulation is expected.” [NBC4]
Parents of Overdose Victim Urge Awareness of Opioids — “In the months since Cayden died, the Fosters have worked to make sure other parents don’t experience similar heartbreak. Schools across the D.C. region have hosted information sessions about the dangers of fentanyl, and are continuing to do so. Fairfax County has an opioid awareness session scheduled next week.” [WTOP]
(Updated at 4 p.m.) Hundreds of Fairfax Connector workers could strike if contract talks between their union and employer break down.
Nearly a month after the end of their existing contract with Transdev, which operates Fairfax County’s public bus system, union drivers, mechanics and other employees voted on Dec. 29 to authorize a strike, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 announced yesterday.
Inova Prepares for Hospital Construction — “The Falls Church-based health system has filed building permits for both a Springfield hospital at 6330 Lewin Drive in Franconia, about a mile from the Springfield Metro station, and a new Alexandria hospital at 6001 Duke St…Inova expects to start construction ‘on both sites’ in the third quarter of this year, [Inova Realty President Tom] McDuffie said.” [Washington Business Journal]
Washington Post Sees of Exodus of Local Reporters — “At least 240 Post writers, columnists, editors, and others were expected to leave in the final days of 2023, significantly reshaping the paper in ways that aren’t yet fully realized…Unfortunately for readers in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, local coverage appears to have taken the biggest hit” [Washington City Paper]
When they reconvene this month, Virginia lawmakers will consider a proposal to allow local governments to install speed cameras wherever they deem them necessary, with penalties of up to $100 for violations.
Bill patron Del.-elect Mike Jones, D-Richmond, said the legislation is intended to increase speed enforcement and reduce the number of traffic fatalities.
Snow Possible This Weekend — “Rain and snow are likely to fall in the D.C. region this weekend as a significant winter storm impacts much of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In the D.C. area, precipitation could go back and forth from rain to snow during the storm, perhaps mixing with a little sleet.” [Washington Post]
Police Seek Info About Herndon Parkway Crash — “Thurs, 12/28/23, at 5PM, HPD got a call about 3 pedestrians that had been struck by a gray Jeep Compass in the 1100-blk of Herndon Pkwy. We are seeking info from any that may have seen or noticed anything leading up to the incident. 703-435-6846 or herndon.police@herndon-va.gov.” [Herndon Police/Twitter]
Almost a year after ending its state of emergency for COVID-19, Fairfax County is expected to codify new rules for outdoor dining that were introduced in response to the pandemic.
A proposed zoning ordinance amendment will automatically let restaurants, bars and other food service establishments set up temporary seating areas where patrons can eat and drink outside, unless the area is in a parking lot, in which case an administrative permit will be needed.
