Another round of storms could hit Fairfax County this afternoon (Thursday), prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Flood Watch for the region.
Set to take effect from 2-11 p.m., the alert warns that a mass of “tropical air” expected to pass through the area could produce “torrential downpours,” potentially leading to flash flooding.
With the D.C. region facing scorching heat through this weekend, Fairfax County is adjusting its holiday closure plans to allow for a 24-hour cooling center at the Jim Scott Community Center in Oakton.
On top of previously announced alerts for today and tomorrow (Friday), the National Weather Service has issued another Extreme Heat Warning for the region on the Fourth of July, predicting potential heat index values of up to 113.
Potentially record-breaking heat is expected to take hold of the D.C. area, as the nation’s 250th anniversary nears.
A Heat Advisory issued by the National Weather Service is scheduled to take effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday), followed by an Extreme Heat Watch that will be in place from 11 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 3.
Thousands of residents in Fairfax County, particularly the Burke area, are grappling with the aftermath of yesterday’s thunderstorm.
As of 11 a.m., more than 1,400 homes and businesses in the county were still without electricity, including about 700 customers in the Burke, Springfield and Fairfax area south of George Mason University’s campus, according to Dominion Energy.
More than 21,200 Dominion Energy customers in Fairfax County have reported losing power as a result of thunderstorms currently passing through the region.
As of 8 p.m., the majority of outages are focused in the eastern part of the county, though some in the Fair Oaks area have also been affected, according to Dominion’s outage map. In most cases, the utility hasn’t determined an estimated time of restoration yet.
It’s going to be another hot, humid day in Fairfax County, which will be under Heat Advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today (Friday).
As it did yesterday, Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all outdoor activities on school grounds during the time covered by the advisory, including recess, extracurricular activities and recreational programs by community groups.
Fairfax County will get an early taste of summer over the next couple of days, with temperatures expected to climb into the low to mid-90s.
While the D.C. region is no stranger to those temperatures, it would set records for this time of the year, the county government said on its emergency blog, urging residents to “take heat safety seriously” today and tomorrow (Thursday).
After a warmer-than-usual start to spring, the D.C. region is expected to be hit overnight with a throwback blast of winter.
The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for much of the area, including Fairfax County, starting at midnight and continuing until 9 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).
A Tornado Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings issued earlier today (Monday) for Fairfax County have been canceled or expired, but an Areal Flood Warning is now in effect until 6:30 p.m.
“Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring,” the 3:33 p.m. alert said. “Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable.”
Fairfax County Public Schools will change up its schedule tomorrow (Monday) in anticipation of potentially severe weather, including thunderstorms and even possible tornadoes.
Instead of the more typical two-hour delayed opening, however, FCPS has announced that schools and administrative offices will close three hours early, forcing many families to scramble for last-minute child care plans.
