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Flood Watch coming to Fairfax County, starting Friday afternoon

Raindrops in puddles (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

After a stormy night, more rain is on the way this afternoon (Friday), prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Flood Watch for Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. region.

The alert will take effect at 3 p.m. and is currently set to continue until 11 p.m.

“Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible,” the alert says, projecting possible, localized rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches.

The full alert from the NWS is below:

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS
EVENING…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE…DC and portions of Maryland and Virginia, including the following areas: the District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Central and Southeast Howard, Central
and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Frederick MD, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford, Southern Baltimore and St. Marys. In Virginia, Albemarle, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Culpeper, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Greene, King George, Madison, Nelson, Northern Fauquier, Orange, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Rappahannock, Southern Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Western Loudoun.

* WHEN…From 3 PM EDT this afternoon through this evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and may last into the evening. Any thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall, with localized totals of two to four inches possible. Much of the rain may fall within a one to three hour period, making rapid rises in creeks and streams possible, as well as flash flooding in urban areas.

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Fairfax County under Heat Advisory today as temperatures climb

The sun sets behind layers of buildings and clouds (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Fairfax County and the surrounding area are under a Heat Advisory today (Thursday), as temperatures are expected to feel like it’s above 100 degrees outside.

The advisory begins at 11 a.m. and will remain in effect until 8 p.m. as temperatures in the upper 90s, combined with humidity, will have heat index values around 105 degrees. The hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, the advisory warns.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Cooling centers are available in Fairfax County for those who need a place to escape the heat.

The National Weather Service also says there’s a chance for isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m.

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Fairfax County under Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch

Lightning (via Breno Machado/Unsplash)

Fairfax County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Flood Watch as storms are expected in the region this evening.

The National Weather Service issued the watches this afternoon. They both expire at 10 p.m.

Rainfall could cause flash flooding in the area, according to the Flood Watch.

“Strong to severe thunderstorms will move across the region late this afternoon through the evening hours,” the Flood Watch says. “Heavy rain will accompany a number of these storms which may drop 1 to 2 inches of rainfall in an hour.”

A Hazardous Weather Outlook for the area also says the primary threats are wind gusts and large hail, with the possibility of an isolated tornado.

The full Flood Watch is below.

Event: Flood Watch
Alert:
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southern Baltimore and St. Marys. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Fairfax, King George, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park and Stafford.

* WHEN…Until Midnight EDT tonight.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Strong to severe thunderstorms will move across the region late this afternoon through the evening hours. Heavy rain will accompany a number of these storms which may drop 1 to 2
inches of rainfall in an hour. Additionally, some regions could see repeat thunderstorm activity leading to an enhanced threat for flooding.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Instructions: You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Photo via Breno Machado/Unsplash

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Fairfax County forecast promises rain with chance of flooding tonight

Rain collects around a storm drain (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A Flood Watch has been issued for Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area.

The alert will be in effect from 11 p.m. today (Friday) through 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday), according to the National Weather Service, which warns that “excessive” rainfall may lead to flash flooding.

Rain levels are expected to range from 1 to 7 inches, depending on the exact location.

Here is more from the NWS:

* WHEN…From 11 PM EDT this evening through Saturday afternoon.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Showers are expected with scattered thunderstorms late this evening into midday Saturday. Average rainfall amounts around 1 to 3 inches are expected, but localized amounts around 4 to 7 inches in heavier showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts around 1 to 3 inches within an hour or two are possible in areas where the heaviest rainfall occurs. The best chance for the heaviest rainfall will be overnight into Saturday morning.

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McLean Community Center issues apology for Fourth of July fireworks cancellation

A sign for the McLean Community Center (file photo)

This weekend, McLean got its first Fourth of July fireworks since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 — only no one was around to see them.

The McLean Community Center held its annual Independence Day Celebration at Langley High School on Saturday (July 2) to accommodate a staffing shortage at its fireworks vendor, an issue that affected several other Fourth of July events in the area as well.

However, instead of watching pyrotechnics light up the night sky, attendees wound up scrambling for cover amid a downpour that ultimately led to a cancellation, MCC said today (Wednesday).

“Though we had held off having the show in hopes of the forecasts being inaccurate, it became clear that the show now had to be canceled,” the community center said in its message. “In the flurry to keep people and property safe, we neglected to let you, our beloved patrons, know what had happened on our website and social media. We regret it and apologize for the oversight.”

Adding to the confusion was the fact that the fireworks were unleashed after all once the rain had dissipated.

MCC says the vendor had to shoot off the fireworks, since they had already been set up and couldn’t be transported.

“This was not a show, this was a necessary safety measure to ensure there were no fireworks remaining on the field,” MCC said. “This detonation was carried out in coordination with the safety officials and pyrotechnicians on-site.”

The organization apologized for the lack of communication with the community, stating that it has “put safeguards in effect” to prevent similar issues in the future.

Though rain had been in the forecast for Saturday night, the community center was unable to schedule a possible rain date due to the vendor’s staffing shortage, MCC Executive Director Daniel Singh said in a statement to FFXnow.

Some parts of the D.C. area saw as much as six to eight inches of rain that night. McLean was among the locations put under flash flood warnings, though the National Weather Service’s unofficial rainfall totals don’t include a report for Fairfax County.

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NEW: Fairfax County under Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Fairfax County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch (via National Weather Service)

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in Fairfax County.

The watch went into effect at 3:07 p.m. and is expected to last until 7 p.m. this evening (Friday). The forecast says heavy rain and scattered storms are possible tonight.

Going into the holiday weekend, there’s also a possibility of thunderstorms tomorrow, and a chance of rain showers on Sunday. But it’s looking like the sun will pull through for a mostly sunny Fourth of July.

High temperatures through the weekend are expected to reach 90 degrees, and the lows are around 70 degrees.

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Flood Watch issued in Fairfax County, thunderstorms expected

Flooding on Old Courthouse Road in Vienna (file photo)

Fairfax County is under a Flood Watch until midnight.

The National Weather Service issued the watch this morning, noting flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible after 3 p.m.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected later this afternoon into the evening, according to the National Weather Service. There will be heavy rainfall at times, with predicted rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches within the span of a couple of hours, according to the Flood Watch.

A Hazardous Weather Outlook in the county states damaging winds and hail are also possible.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely, mainly between 3 PM and 11
PM. A Flash Flood Watch for potential flash flooding is in effect
near and west of Interstate 95 during this time. Isolated
instances of flooding can`t be ruled out further east.

In addition, a few storms may become severe with damaging wind
gusts and large hail. An isolated tornado can`t be ruled out.

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JUST IN: Flood Watch in effect into Thursday evening for Fairfax County

Raindrops in puddles (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The rain now passing through Fairfax County could lead to flash flooding this afternoon and evening (Thursday).

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of the D.C. area that’s currently set to be in effect until 8 p.m.

Here is more from the alert:

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– A strong surface trough has settled over the I 95 corridor and has become the focus for the formation of strong thunderstorms. PWs greater than 1.7 inches combined with the potential for training storms capable of producing 2 to 3 inches per hour may lead to an increased threat for flash flooding over the more urban areas along the I-95 corridor. One to two inches of rain are likely within training storms with locally higher amounts around 4 inches are possible.

The region is also under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m.

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Rainstorm with hail passes through Fairfax County

Rain with hail in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Updated at 7:25 p.m. — A Flood Warning has now been issued for Fairfax County, with an additional half to 1.5 inches of rain possible until 1:15 a.m. Monday. The Severe Thunderstorm Warning has also been extended to 8 p.m.

Earlier: A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Fairfax County.

The National Weather Service issued the alert shortly after 5 p.m., warning of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail:

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.

Moving eastward, the storm has already made its way through Herndon and just passed the Town of Vienna, bringing a couple minutes of intense rain, thunder, and hail that ended as quickly as it began.

This is the second thunderstorm with hail to hit the D.C. area within the past week, and it came a day after temperatures hit a high of 92 degrees, according to NWS data.

While the warning is set to end at 6 p.m., a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is currently in effect until 9 p.m.

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Fairfax County under Flood Watch, starting Friday afternoon

Raindrops collect on tree buds in Fairview Park (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area.

The alert is set to take effect at 5 p.m. today (Friday) and last until 2 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday), though current forecasts indicate that rain is likely to continue throughout the weekend.

“Widespread rainfall totals of 1-3 inches are expected through tonight,” the NWS said. “This may lead to localized instances of flooding.”

Here is more from the alert:

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT…

* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE…DC and portions of Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: the District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and
Southeast Montgomery, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax,
Northern Fauquier, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park and Western Loudoun.

* WHEN…From this afternoon through late tonight.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

The NWS advises continuing to monitor forecasts and staying alert for possible Flood Warnings.

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