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NEW: Frost Advisory issued for Northern Virginia tomorrow

Frost on leaves (via Ralph Katieb/Unsplash)

There will be a chill in the air tomorrow (Tuesday) morning — and it’s not just because Halloween will only be a week away.

A Frost Advisory is set to take effect for portions of Maryland and Virginia, including Fairfax County, from 2-10 a.m., the National Weather Service announced today.

“Temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation,” the NWS said, warning that the frost could be fatal to sensitive outdoor vegetation.

The agency advises covering plants or taking other steps to protect them from the cold.

For Fairfax County, the NWS is currently forecasting “patchy frost” for tomorrow, likely between 4 and 9 a.m. Temperatures could range from a low of 35 degrees to a high of 67.

However, a warming trend is anticipated later in the week, according to the NWS and the Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang. The forecast shows temperatures climbing to a high of 78 degrees on Friday (Oct. 27).

Looking into the slightly more distant future, the NWS projects that the D.C. area will get another mild winter, though emerging El Niño weather patterns could bring the snowstorm that was absent last year, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

Photo via Ralph Katieb/Unsplash

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Tropical storm may hit Fairfax County this weekend, bringing heavy rain and winds

Tropical Storm Ophelia is expected to bring rain and wind to Northern Virginia this weekend (via National Weather Service)

Updated at 4:05 p.m. — A Coastal Flood Advisory issued for parts of Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, will now take effect at midnight, earlier than initially anticipated, the National Weather Service says.

Earlier: It’s going to be a cold and rainy weekend in Fairfax County, thanks to Tropical Storm Ophelia.

Tracking to make landfall in North Carolina today (Friday), the storm is expected to reach Northern Virginia tonight with “heavy rain, high winds, and cool temperatures” continuing into Sunday (Sept. 24) morning, according to the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management.

“Locally, [the National Weather Service] expects 2-4 inches of rain throughout the weekend,” the county said in a post on its emergency information blog. “Since the precipitation will be spread across the weekend, flooding is not a major concern but could cause some localized flooding issues. Wind speeds will gradually increase, peaking around 40 mph on Saturday.”

The storm has already affected some major events, prompting cancellations of the popular Reston Multicultural Festival, the inaugural Fairfax Fiesta in Tysons and a kick-off for National Public Lands Day in Annandale. Other events, like Fairfax City’s Fiesta Fairfax, have been relocated indoors.

The NWS has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory and a Wind Advisory for much of the D.C. area, including Fairfax County.

The flood advisory will be in effect from noon tomorrow (Saturday) to 5 a.m. Sunday:

* WHAT…Up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low lying areas due to tidal flooding.

* WHERE…Fairfax, Stafford and Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park Counties.

* WHEN…From noon Saturday to 5 AM EDT Sunday, especially around the time of high tide.

* IMPACTS…Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Tides one and a half to two feet above normal. The worst flooding will occur with the Saturday afternoon and Saturday night high tides.

The Wind Advisory will take effect at 8 a.m. tomorrow and last until 8 p.m., warning that northeast winds could reach 20 to 30 mph with up to 45-mph gusts. The NWS notes that the “gusty winds” could blow around objects and result in power outages. Read More

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Reston Multicultural Festival canceled due to possible tropical storm

The festival has been postponed due to inclement weather (via Reston Community Center)

The Reston Multicultural Festival — which was set for this Saturday (Sept. 23) at Reston Town Center — has been canceled due to inclement weather.

The annual festival, which is organized by Reston Community Center, will not be rescheduled. With a tropical storm projected to make landfall in the mid-Atlantic, high winds, cool temperatures and heavy rain are expected from around 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday morning.

“With artists, vendors, community organizations, and event staff and volunteers coming from various areas affected by this tropical storm, organizers do not want to put people at risk of injury in trying to reach or attend the festival,” RCC said in a statement. “People are urged to stay off the roads on Saturday. This annual event is cherished by the community, and event planners appreciate everyone’s understanding that people’s safety is their highest priority.”

RCC said it was thankful to Reston Town Center Association and host BXP for their help in coordinating the event. Reston Association also provided support.

This year would have been the organization’s largest festival to date, with additional performance stages and strategic partnerships with national organizations.

“The partnership among these civic, nonprofit and business organizations allowed for the most ambitious Reston Multicultural Festival plan ever. All partners are looking forward to 2024 and doing it again under sunnier skies,” the organization wrote.

A Darden and Friends concert will still take place as scheduled at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) in the Pavilion at Reston Town Center, according to RCC.

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County activates cooling centers as heat advisory goes into effect

The heat is expected to continue through the week (staff photo by Jay Westcott).

The county has activated its heat plan for today (Tuesday) as temperates climb today.

Cooling centers around the county will be available during normal operating hours in response to a National Weather Service heat advisory that is in effect from noon to 8 p.m.

Heat index values are expected to reach between 100 and 105 degrees across the region.

Supplies like bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellant and body wipes will be available at the cooling centers.

Three emergency centers for single adults with also activate day and night overflow shelter capacity, according to the county.

Here’s more from NWS on the alert:

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.

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Flash Flood Warning issued for southeast Fairfax County

Rain on brick walkway (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Rain, rain, it’s not going away just yet.

Another storm has emerged in the D.C. area, once again bringing the potential for flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service.

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for southeastern Fairfax County, from Springfield to Mount Vernon and Lorton, until 7:30 p.m.

Excessive runoff may be particularly an issue in areas notably affected by thunderstorms yesterday (Monday) afternoon, when 2 to 4 inches of rain fell in the Springfield and Route 1 areas within the space of an hour.

“Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area,” the NWS said at 4:32 p.m. “Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 3 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area.”

In Fairfax County, yesterday’s storms mainly resulted in power outages, but they had a deadly impact in D.C., where rapidly rising waters killed 10 dogs at a local canine day care.

A Flood Watch has also been issued until 8 p.m.

The full alert is below.

* Flash Flood Warning for…Southeastern Fairfax County in northern Virginia…

* Until 730 PM EDT.

* At 432 PM EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 3 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD…Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE…Radar and automated gauges.
IMPACT…Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include…

Alexandria… Springfield…Fort Hunt… Groveton…Huntington… Fort Belvoir…Burke… Lincolnia…Lorton… Franconia…Hybla Valley… Newington…I395 and I495 Interchange…West Springfield…Mount Vernon… North Springfield…Hayfield… Mason Neck…Jefferson Manor…

FLASH FLOOD…RADAR AND GAUGE INDICATED EXPECTED RAINFALL RATE…1-3 INCHES IN 1 HOUR

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UPDATED: More than 16,000 without power in Fairfax County as storms roll through

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(Updated at 8:05 p.m.) Thousands of people in Fairfax County have been hit by power outages in the wake of a thunderstorm that’s continuing to march eastward toward D.C.

As of 7:15 p.m., there were 16,029 customers in Fairfax County and another 1,770 customers in Fairfax City without power, according to Dominion Energy’s outage map, which shows 90 separate outages.

The most sizable outages appear to be focused south of I-66, with thousands affected around Fairfax City, including around George Mason University’s campus, and Fairfax Station. Major outages also appear in Great Falls, Annandale and Lincolnia.

The outages may have affected the Burke Centre Library and the John Marshall Library in Rose Hill. Fairfax County Public Library says both branches were closed at 6:45 p.m. “due to facilities issues.”

While there have been no reports of hail or tornadoes yet, the storm has kept the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department busy with calls for downed wires and trees.

The department reported at 5:54 p.m. that it had units working 12 different calls for outside fires.

Road closures have also cropped up, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. A spokesperson says no major roads have been shut down, but “there are several secondary roads that may have debris or downed wires.”

“Due to inclement weather, multiple roads in Fairfax County are closed or blocked. #FCPD will respond and provide updates as soon as possible,” the department said on Twitter.

Metro, which has activated its Emergency Operations Center, is delaying trains and buses in some areas due to the weather.

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JUST IN: Tornado Watch issued for D.C. area with storms, hail possible today

Storm clouds approaching over Vienna on July 28, 2023 (photo by Jerry Woolsey)

Some more stormy weather could wash over the D.C. area later today.

A Tornado Watch has been issued for the region, including Fairfax County, by the National Weather Service, which has also designated most of the area as at “Moderate Risk” of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

This is the first time in a decade that the agency has placed the D.C. area under that level of risk for hazardous weather, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

“Widespread damaging wind gusts are likely, with potential for locally destructive winds,” the NWS said. “Tornadoes and large hail are also possible. Have a way to receive warnings!”

The Tornado Watch will be in effect until 9 p.m.

The storms are expected to move eastward, reaching Fairfax County during the afternoon rush-hour, according to the county’s emergency information blog.

Wind gusts of up to 80 mph are possible in central and western Virginia, with most eastern areas facing possible gusts closer to 60-70 mph, the Virginia Department of Transportation said in a news release. The department also warned of localized flooding, large hail and “brief spin-up tornadoes.”

“The safety of the traveling public and our crews is VDOT’s top priority,” VDOT said. “As forecasts and conditions could change, travelers should pay close attention to local weather reports and announcements from officials and limit their travels based on conditions.”

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County activates cooling centers with Excessive Heat Warning in effect

The county has activated its libraries, human services offices and community and recreation centers as cooling centers (via Fairfax County)

It’s another stifling day in Fairfax County with no immediate relief in sight.

As of 11 a.m., temperatures at Fort Belvoir had reached 90 degrees, but thanks to 65% humidity, it likely feels closer to 103 degrees outside, according to the National Weather Service.

An Excessive Heat Warning will remain in place until 8 p.m. today — only for another alert to take effect from noon to 8 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday). The NWS warns that “dangerously hot conditions” can be expected on both days, with the heat index potentially climbing up to 111 degrees.

To help community members, particularly those who are unhoused, Fairfax County has activated its Heat Plan for both today and tomorrow, establishing public facilities like libraries and recreation and community centers as designated cooling centers.

“When Fairfax County’s heat plan is activated, cooling centers around the county will be available during normal operating hours for individuals needing relief from the heat,” the county said. “These cooling centers will also have supplies available including bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellant, and body wipes.”

The county is also distributing supplies through partners who work with unsheltered residents and at homeless shelters, drop-in centers and meal distribution sites.

In addition, overflow capacity is being allowed at the county’s three emergency shelters for adults: the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax (12970 Katherine Hanley Court), the Embry Rucker Community Shelter in Reston (11975 Bowman Towne Drive) and the Patrick Henry Family Shelter in Seven Corners (3080 Patrick Henry Drive).

Here’s more from the county on how to handle the high temperatures that have lingered since Thursday: Read More

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D.C. area will be under Heat Advisory on Thursday

Forecasts suggest Thursday, July 27 could feel like 107 degrees in the D.C. area (via NWS/Twitter)

(Updated at 2:05 p.m.) A Heat Advisory will take effect tomorrow (Thursday) for the D.C. area, including Fairfax County, with temperatures expected to near 100 degrees.

Released by the National Weather Service this morning, the alert is slated to be in place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow.

While currently forecasting a high temperature of 97 for Fairfax County, the NWS warns that the day could feel more like 105 degrees based on the heat index, which factors in humidity. An Excessive Heat Watch has also been issued, predicting “dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 possible.”

“Heat and humidity will increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or
participating in outdoor activities,” the alert said.

The NWS is urging community members to take some precautions if they have to spend time outside:

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.

The Fairfax County government shared a reminder of the symptoms of heat exhaustion or stroke, which can include fainting, dizziness, muscle cramps, headaches, nausea and either excessive or no sweating.

“During hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect,” the county said.

If the advisory unfolds as scheduled, the county will activate its extreme heat response, opening up a number of public facilities as cooling centers and providing supplies like water and sunscreen at those locations and homeless shelters.

The county has also recently bolstered its response to extreme heat events by improving its process for alerting unsheltered residents and offering free Fairfax Connector bus passes to cooling centers.

In addition to heat, tomorrow’s forecast holds a 30-40% chance of thunderstorms after 2 p.m.

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Flash Flood Warning issued for part of Fairfax County amid downpour

A rain storm passes over central Fairfax (via NWS)

Rain is pouring down on Fairfax County, raising the risk of flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the central portion of the county, including Oakton, Annandale, Merrifield and Fairfax City.

In effect until 6:30 p.m., the warning anticipates up to 3 inches of rain in the affected areas. As of 3:25 p.m., between half-an-inch and 1.5 inches had already fallen.

“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the NWS said. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Basement flooding can occur quickly and create a life-threatening situation. If you are in a basement, or a residence below street level, move to a higher floor immediately.”

The full flood warning is below:

* Flash Flood Warning for…
Western Arlington County in northern Virginia…
Central Fairfax County in northern Virginia…
The Northwestern City of Alexandria in northern Virginia…
The City of Fairfax in northern Virginia…
The City of Falls Church in northern Virginia…

* Until 630 PM EDT.

* At 325 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD…Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE…Radar.
IMPACT…Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Updated at 4:30 p.m. — According to Fairfax Alerts, high water has closed Prosperity Avenue at Morningside Drive in the Mantua area.

As of 4:20 p.m., 926 Dominion Energy customers had lost electricity, according to the utility’s outage map.

The largest outages are in Springfield north of the Mixing Bowl, where 547 people are without power and the estimated time of restoration is 5-10 p.m. Another 147 customers have been affected by outages in Lincolnia, where power is expected to return between 7 p.m. and midnight.

Updated at 4:55 p.m. — Woodburn Road at Spicewood Drive has also closed as a result of high water, per Fairfax Alerts. The closure is located just south of Accotink Creek.

Updated at 6:25 p.m. — A Flood Warning has now been issued, extending to 9 p.m. The NWS says 1-4 inches of rain have fallen so far in the central Fairfax area, along with Alexandria, Arlington and Falls Church.

“Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring,” the NWS said. “Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall.”

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