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Great Falls hit with power outage, hours-long road closure after storm

About 279 people in Great Falls have lost power after a storm on Aug. 30, 2022 (via Dominion Energy)

More than 200 people in Great Falls have lost power, and a key road may be closed for hours after a rain storm this afternoon (Tuesday).

According to Fairfax Alerts, Beach Mill Road will be closed to traffic in both directions for at least six hours at the Springvale Road intersection due to downed power lines.

Dominion Energy has 279 customers in the area without power, according to its outage map.

The outage has been attributed to a broken pole, and crews are currently on the scene assessing the damage, though as of 6:30 p.m., there is no estimated time of restoration yet.

The storm otherwise appears to have had minimal impact in Fairfax County. Dulles International Airport reported 56 mph wind gusts, but less than a half-inch of rain was recorded in most areas, the Capital Weather Gang reported.

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Fairfax County under Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch

The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in the area through 10 p.m. (via National Weather Service)

Fairfax County and areas nearby are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch this evening.

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch earlier today (Monday), cautioning flooding may occur this evening, and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10 p.m.

“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the Flood Watch reads. “Afternoon to evening showers and thunderstorms may produce very heavy rainfall capable of flash flooding. This could include multiple rounds of storms which would enhance the flood risk. Rainfall rates may reach 1 to 2 inches per hour, locally higher in spots. The D.C. and Baltimore metros will be the most susceptible given recent heavy rainfall the past couple of weeks.”

The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor forecasts and be prepared in case of flash floods.

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Morning Notes

A hot summer day at The Boro in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

What Was Behind Tuesday’s Storms — “Hundreds of trees were toppled and hundreds of thousands of people lost power Tuesday afternoon and evening as three storm complexes roared across the Washington region. The storms were fueled by hot and humid air that surged into the region, and were powered and sustained by strong high-altitude winds along an approaching cold front.” [Capital Weather Gang]

Firefighter Charged in Fairfax County Armed Robbery — “A D.C. firefighter has been arrested and charged with robbery after police say he brandished a gun and took someone’s property in Fairfax County, Virginia. Fairfax County Police said the robbery happened in May” [WTOP]

Police Investigate Dunkin’ Donuts Burglaries — Fairfax County and Alexandria City police are investigating at least three burglaries of Dunkin’ Donuts in Springfield, Belle Haven and Potomac Yard. The incidents all occurred during the morning of July 7, but police haven’t confirmed whether they were committed by the same people. [ALXnow]

Fairfax County Top in State for Population Growth — “In the last 50 years, Fairfax County saw the largest population increase in Virginia. During that same time, Norfolk saw the largest population decline…Mark Mather at the Population Reference Bureau says the next 50 years are not going to have the same trends.” [WVTF]

Same-Day Voter Registration Coming — “Same-day voter registration is taking effect in the state in time for the congressional midterms in November, a significant shift from the way Virginia elections have worked in the past…The new law will allow voters to fill out a registration form and cast a ballot after that deadline, up to and including Election Day.” [Virginia Mercury]

Food Drive Planned in West Springfield — “@MoveInterstate will be hosting a #FillATruck food drive at their #Springfield HQ located at 5801 Rolling Road, from 07/18-07/29. All donations will be donated to Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO) and will help families in the #FairfaxCounty community.” [Supervisor Penny Gross/Twitter]

Langley HS Alum Coaches GMU Volleyball — “Years later, when receiving a second opportunity to join the George Mason University women’s volleyball team, Megan Shiffett Bachmann jumped at the chance and accepted. The 2008 Langley High School graduate recently was named the new head women’s coach of the Division I Mason program.” [Sun Gazette/Inside NoVA]

Park Authority Names Top Volunteers — “The Fairfax County Park Authority will honor 21 individual volunteers named 2022 Outstanding Volunteers and selected by their peers from across the park system…Approximately 4,000 volunteers give of their time and talent annually and take on a multitude of tasks.” [FCPA]

Tysons IT Consultant to Help Startups — “Booz Allen Hamilton has launched a venture capital unit that aims to help young companies speed the development of technologies used by the federal government…Booz Allen Ventures LLC will invest $100 million over five years in firms developing artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity and defense technologies, the company said.” [Washington Business Journal]

It’s Thursday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 86 and low of 72. Sunrise at 5:56 am and sunset at 8:35 pm. [Weather.gov]

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JUST IN: Tens of thousands in Fairfax County lose power after storm

More than 4,000 people lost power in the Great Falls/Wolf Trap area after a July 12 storm (via Dominion Energy)

(Updated at 7:45 p.m.) More than 16,000 people in Fairfax County are currently without power after a rainstorm with high winds passed through the D.C. area earlier this evening (Tuesday).

As of 7 p.m., a total of 16,255 electricity users in the county had lost power, including 15,480 Dominion Energy customers, according to PowerOutage.US.

Dominion’s outage map indicates that the Great Falls and Wolf Trap area experienced the most extensive power losses, with roughly 4,246 customers affected. Other hard-hit areas include Tysons, Springfield, and Fair Lakes.

The estimated times of restoration suggest that the utility company will be working to address the outages throughout the night and into tomorrow morning (Wednesday).

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for southern Fairfax County until 8:30 p.m., forecasting 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail. According to an initial report, wind gusts from an earlier storm reached up to 70 mph in Centreville.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 10 p.m., and a Flood Watch is out for the D.C. area until midnight.

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Flooding possible for Fairfax County this afternoon and evening

A Flood Watch has been issued for the D.C. area on July 6 (via National Weather Service/Twitter)

Updated at 2:25 p.m. — The Flood Watch has been extended to 5 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday), per Fairfax County.

Earlier: A Flood Watch is on the horizon for much of the D.C. area, including Fairfax County.

The National Weather Service issued an alert at 5:20 a.m. today (Wednesday), warning that storms may lead to flash flooding starting around 3 p.m. The watch is currently set to remain in effect until 3 a.m. tomorrow.

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. Creeks and streams may rise rapidly out of their banks. Flooding may occur quickly in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…

– Multiple rounds of scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon and tonight. The most likely time period for thunderstorms producing heavy rain and potential flash flooding is this evening, but thunderstorms could develop as early as this afternoon, and may linger well into the night. Several inches of rain is possible in a short period of time, which would cause rapid rises of water.

Despite the risk of rain, the region’s usual July heat and humidity are out in full force, with temperatures potentially reaching the low 90s. The heat index is expected to peak near 100 degrees, according to the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

“If possible, make sure to stay hydrated and in shaded or air-conditioned places. Also check on your friends and neighbors,” the department said.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include fainting or dizziness, muscle cramps, and nausea or vomiting.

Image via National Weather Service/Twitter

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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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Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued in Fairfax County

Lightning (via Breno Machado/Unsplash)

Updated at 6:50 p.m. — The Severe Thunderstorm Watch was canceled at 6:41 p.m., according to a National Weather Service alert.

Earlier: Fairfax County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, and part of the county is also under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

The county is under a severe thunderstorm watch until midnight, according to the National Weather Service. There’s also a severe thunderstorm warning for west central Fairfax County, including Burke and Chantilly, until 6:15 p.m.

“Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall,” the warning reads. “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.”

The watch was issued at 5:11 p.m. Ready Fairfax said to expect damaging winds and large hail. Isolated tornadoes are possible.

The full watch is below.

Event:
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Alert:
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 378 REMAINS VALID UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT
TONIGHT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS
IN VIRGINIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 22 COUNTIES
IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA
ALBEMARLE CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE
CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG GREENE
KING GEORGE NELSON ORANGE
SPOTSYLVANIA
IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA
ARLINGTON CITY OF ALEXANDRIA CITY OF FAIRFAX
CITY OF FALLS CHURCH CITY OF MANASSAS
CITY OF MANASSAS PARK CULPEPER
FAIRFAX FAUQUIER LOUDOUN
PRINCE WILLIAM STAFFORD
IN NORTHWEST VIRGINIA
MADISON RAPPAHANNOCK
THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALEXANDRIA, ARLINGTON, CHANTILLY,
CHARLOTTESVILLE, CROZET, CULPEPER, DAHLGREN, FAIRFAX,
FALLS CHURCH, FALMOUTH, FREDERICKSBURG, GORDONSVILLE, GREENFIELD,
HERNDON, LEESBURG, MADISON, MANASSAS, MANASSAS PARK, MCLEAN,
ORANGE, RESTON, SPOTSYLVANIA COURTHOUSE, STANARDSVILLE, STERLING,
WARRENTON, WASHINGTON, AND WOODBRIDGE.
Instructions:

Target Area:
Albemarle
Arlington
City of Alexandria
City of Charlottesville
City of Fairfax
City of Falls Church
City of Fredericksburg
City of Manassas
City of Manassas Park
Culpeper
Fairfax
Fauquier
Greene
King George
Loudoun
Madison
Nelson
Orange
Prince William
Rappahannock
Spotsylvania
Stafford

Photo via Breno Machado/Unsplash

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UPDATED: Over 700 Fairfax County residents without power after storm

A power outage along Stuart Mill Road in Oakton (via Dominion Energy)

(Updated at 3:40 p.m.) While the weather has died down for now, almost 800 people in Fairfax County lost electricity when a thunderstorm passed through the D.C. region this morning, bringing flood and tornado risks.

Dominion Energy has 761 customers currently without power, as of 3:20 p.m., according to PowerOutage.US.

The biggest outage is in Chantilly between Lees Corner and Stringfellow roads, near the regional library, Dominion’s power outage map shows. The utility company has dispatched a crew to investigate the cause of the power loss, which has affected 272 customers.

Another 227 customers have been impacted by an outage along Stuart Mill Road in the Little Difficult Run area of Oakton, which has also seen smaller outages along Bennett Road. There are downed wires there, Dominion spokesperson Peggy Fox said.

There is also a larger power outage in Mantua affecting 186 customers. Among them appears to be Mantua Elementary School. Like in Oakton, a crew has been dispatched, but there’s no estimated time of restoration yet.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for the county, with more showers and thunderstorms potentially emerging later this afternoon and evening.

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Power outages still scattered across Fairfax County after Sunday storm

A broken pole took out power for 271 Dominion Energy customers in the Fairfax area (via Dominion Energy)

More than 2,000 people in Fairfax County are without electricity after bursts of rain and hail swept through the D.C. area last night (Sunday).

Dominion Energy has reported outages affecting 2,636 customers, as of 9:50 a.m., according to PowerOutage.US.

According to the utility company’s outage map, the damage is widespread across the eastern half of the county, from Wolf Trap in the north to Newington in the south, but the individual outages are mostly limited in their impact.

The largest outage is in the Kings Park West area, just south of Braddock Road and north of Guinea Road. Crews are currently working to address a broken pole that took out power for 271 customers. The estimated time of restoration is 6-11 p.m.

Dominion Energy spokesperson Peggy Fox reported earlier this morning (Monday) that 60 mph winds knocked down trees, branches, and utility poles across Northern Virginia, where the company is working on 92 projects.

Neighboring residents in Arlington and Alexandria are also still dealing with the storm’s aftermath

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Power issues linger for some after thunderstorm, hail

A Virginia Department of Transportation truck in Groveton after a May 16, 2022, storm (staff photo by Brandi Bottalico)

(Updated at 1:45 p.m.) Hundreds of people in Fairfax County are still without power after a thunderstorm swept through the D.C. area late yesterday afternoon (Monday).

Outages have been significantly reduced overnight, with the number of people affected dropping from more than 8,000 to about 500, as of 9:30 a.m., according to PowerOutage.US.

In terms of power losses, the storm primarily affected the south part of the county. Dominion Energy’s outage map indicates that 329 customers in West Springfield and over 50 customers in Hybla Valley, Mount Vernon, and Mason Neck are still waiting for their electricity to return.

Likely the result of fallen trees and branches on power lines, the individual outages appear to be limited in scope, each affecting only a few properties. The estimated time of restoration ranges from 1 to 7 p.m. today (Tuesday).

Yesterday’s storm brought 0.42 inches of precipitation to the Dulles Airport area and 0.27 inches to the National side of the region, according to preliminary climate reports from the National Weather Service.

However, the storm also had an unusual twist in the form of hail. Stones about the size of a quarter were spotted throughout the southeastern part of the county, including Franconia, Rose Hill, Fort Hunt, and Mount Vernon.

Maryland residents reported even larger hailstones.

According to the National Weather Service in Sterling, some hail is not especially unusual for this time of the year, but hail of the size seen yesterday is more rare.

“This is the time of year when we start to really warm up consistently. The caveat is that the atmosphere many thousand feet up is still cold as it takes more time to warm up further up at this point,” NWS meterologist Austin Mansfield said by email. “With lower freezing levels (0°C of the air temperature) in the atmosphere during this time of year but warmer and more unstable air masses looming, we can certainly see hail during this time of year.”

The NWS only tracks hail that’s 0.75 inches or larger in its archives. The last time the agency reported large hail in Fairfax County in May was on May 14, 2018, when it recorded hail with a 1.75-inch diameter, or roughly the size of a golf ball.

“Take that with a grain of salt because we are almost certain that hail has fallen in Fairfax County in the middle of May since then but it was more than likely smaller size (dime/nickel/pea),” Mansfield said.

Other scenes from the storm included fallen branches, waterborne trash cans, and post-rain goslings in Reston.

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