A major winter storm is headed for the D.C. area, just in time to disrupt holiday travel.

While the snow and ice created by a “bomb cyclone” is expected to stay further west, Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area are in for a downpour, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS has already issued a Flood Watch for the region that’s set to be in effect from 11 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) to 1 a.m. Friday (Dec. 23).

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE THURSDAY
NIGHT…

* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

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

* WHEN…From Thursday morning through late Thursday night.

* 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…
– Moderate rainfall is expected Thursday into Thursday evening, with rainfall totals of one to two inches. This may lead to isolated instances of flooding, especially in urban and poor drainage areas.

The Virginia Department of Transportation advises those planning to travel for Christmas to leave today instead of tomorrow, particularly if they’re going to be in the western half of the state.

“Crews have already begun pretreating and brining the roads and will begin deploying trucks early Thursday morning to treat roads as needed,” VDOT said in an advisory.

The department also warned that temperatures are expected to plummet into Friday, meaning fallen rain might refreeze into ice. Forecasts indicate this weekend may be the coldest Christmas in decades.

#NOVA fam – take 70 seconds to get the #WinterWeather update you need before #WinterTravel! We've got precipitation and LOW temps headed our way soon 🥶 @VaDOT @NWS_BaltWash @VDEM pic.twitter.com/O9sUTMNyul

— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) December 21, 2022

Updated at 8:05 p.m. — Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late tomorrow in response to the anticipated inclement weather.

Earlier: Fairfax County may get its first serious taste of winter weather for the season overnight.

A Winter Weather Advisory will be in place for the D.C. region from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday), according to a National Weather Service alert issued this morning.

The NWS initially forecast that the anticipated freezing rain and ice could begin at 10 p.m. today but later revised the time frame.

“Wintry precipitation begins overnight and continues into Thursday morning,” the NWS said. “Warmer air should push in later Thursday morning into Thursday afternoon changing the precipitation to rain.”

More from the alert:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of a glaze to around one tenth of an inch. Highest ice amounts will be in the northern and western suburbs of Washington and Baltimore.

* WHERE…The Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas including the city of Baltimore and the District of Columbia as well as northeastern and central Maryland.

* WHEN…From 1 AM to 1 PM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Difficult travel conditions are possible. The hazardous conditions will likely impact the morning commute on Thursday.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department warns that the rain could affect tomorrow’s morning commute, and Fairfax Connector says it will be monitoring the potential storm, advising that riders watch out for slippery or icy sidewalks.

The Virginia Department of Transportation began mobilizing crews yesterday to prepare roads for the wintry precipitation, noting that it has made some procedural adjustments in the hopes of avoiding a repeat of January’s I-95 shutdown.

The risk of ice tomorrow is expected to be highest further to the west in Virginia, where an Ice Storm Warning has been issued.

Temperatures could drop below freezing overnight in Fairfax County, continuing a cold streak that took hold earlier today (Wednesday).

The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning that will take effect from 1 to 9 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday), stating that sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit can be expected.

“Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the NWS said.

Here’s more on what to do from the alert, which covers the D.C. area up past Hagerstown in Maryland:

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

According to the NWS forecast, this week is expected to close out with temperatures rising to highs in the upper-60s during the day on Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 22-23). Nights will see lows ranging from 37 degrees Thursday to 45 degrees on Saturday.

[1:32 PM] The National Weather Service has issues a freeze warning in effect from 1 AM to 9AM EDT Thursday (10/20). Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees are expected. pic.twitter.com/ORqZ8hbIIC

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) October 19, 2022

Fairfax County might get a little frosty overnight, in case the yellowing leaves outside weren’t a clear enough signal of autumn’s arrival.

The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for the D.C. area, warning that temperatures are expected to dip into the 30s, starting at 2 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).

…FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT WEDNESDAY…

* WHAT…Temperatures around 33 to 36 degrees will result in frost formation.

* WHERE…Portions of central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…From 2 AM to 9 AM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS…Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.

“Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold,” the NWS says.

As of 1:30 p.m., the NWS forecast for the county indicates that tomorrow will be mostly sunny, but frost may reemerge between 4 and 8 a.m. on Thursday (Oct. 20), when the low temperature will be 33 degrees Fahrenheit.

The chill comes from a cold front that has traveled southeast across the U.S. from as far away as northern Russia and the Arctic, the Capital Weather Gang reported Friday (Oct. 13).

Photo via sydney Rae/Unsplash

(Updated at 5:05 p.m.) An October weekend once filled with fall events is starting to clear out, as Fairfax County braces for Hurricane Ian.

The storm that devastated Florida after making landfall on Wednesday (Sept. 28) is expected to weaken as it heads north, but its rain and winds could still prove dangerous, the Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) warns.

According to the department, remnants of Hurricane Ian are projected to arrive tonight (Friday), bringing scattered flooding and strong winds:

• Scattered localized flooding is possible from rain. Overall, we are not expecting significant flooding impacts from this event. The rainfall totals are expected to be between 1″-2″ with a high end of 3″ over the three day period of Friday through Sunday. A rumble of thunder may enter the area early Saturday morning, but no significant thunderstorm threat is expected.
• Winds will be sustained at 15-20 mph with gusts between 20-30 mph throughout the weekend.
• Tidal anomalies of 1-2 feet are possible, but no significant tidal flooding for Fairfax County is expected.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a State of Emergency earlier this week, giving the state authority to mobilize resources in preparation for the storm.

Remnants of #HurricaneIan expected to impact #FairfaxCounty Friday – Sunday (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) w/potential of up to 3 inches of rain. Localized flooding possible. #FCFRD & county agencies will continue to monitor Ian and provide updates as needed. More: https://t.co/KQQQsuY3Sf pic.twitter.com/1latw5DiA4

— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) September 29, 2022

Several events planned across the county for tomorrow (Saturday) have already been canceled or rescheduled, with organizers citing the impending inclement weather. Others are still monitoring conditions before making a determination.

The McLean Project for the Arts pulled the plug on its annual MPAartfest on Wednesday, though the 2022 McLean 5K is still on for now.

“This is a rain or shine event, we have no plans to cancel,” McLean Community Center General Programs Director Mike Fisher said. “If we do cancel, that decision will be made in the moment as a result of on the ground conditions at the event site.”

Reston Community Center’s first-ever Silent Dance Party at Reston Station has been postponed to 5 p.m. on Oct. 9, while Reston Association announced yesterday (Thursday) that its popular Reston Community Yard Sale has moved to next Saturday, Oct. 8.

This morning, the Town of Vienna officially canceled tomorrow’s Oktoberfest, which drew more than 35,000 visitors last year. The Fall Native Plant Sale has been bumped to Oct. 8.

In lieu of the town’s official Oktoberfest, the Vienna Moose Lodge (9616 Courthouse Road) has teamed up with Caboose Brewing Company to host indoor festivities with draft beer and pretzels from noon to 9 p.m.

Both Fairfax County Park Authority events set for tomorrow have been altered. Bug Fest at Lewinsville Park in McLean has been postponed to Oct. 22, but Buktertoberfest at Burke Lake Golf Course has been canceled.

In Fairfax City, the Out of Darkness Walk to raise awareness about suicide and mental health impacts is currently still a go, but the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says it will provide an update by 5 p.m. if that changes.

Map via NOAA

A Tornado Warning is in effect for Fairfax County this evening, per the National Weather Service.

The warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m. today (Monday). A map detailing the area that may be impacted is below.

Tornado Warning including Cherry Hill VA, Triangle VA and Dumfries VA until 5:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/Gp0VfQQhyR

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) September 12, 2022

 

An ongoing thunderstorm has taken out power for hundreds of Fairfax County residents, as the threat of flash flooding looms.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the D.C. region that is set to remain in effect until 8 p.m.

According to the alert, between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen so far, and an additional 1 to 2 inches are possible. Areas of concern include Reston, Centreville, Annandale, Vienna, Falls Church, McLean, Great Falls, Chantilly, and Fairfax Station.

[8/10 at 5:03 PM] A Flash Flood Warning has been issued until 8 PM as thunderstorms producing heavy rain move through the region. Do NOT attempt to cross a flooded roadway. Turn around don't drown! #VaWx #TADD #FloodSafety pic.twitter.com/4Ks5QYlOFx

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) August 10, 2022

More than a thousand Dominion Energy customers have been affected by power outages since rain arrived in the area this afternoon, according to the utility company’s outage map.

The largest impact appears to be in Pimmit Hills, where 647 customers are without power. An outage affecting 328 people near Eagle View Elementary School in the Fairfax area is expected to be addressed between 6 and 11 p.m.

In the Herndon area, an outage at the Herndon Parkway and Sterling Road intersection has affected 221 customers. Dominion estimates that power will be restored there between 7 p.m. and midnight.

Herndon Parkway has been closed in both directions at Palmer Drive after an accident, according to the Town of Herndon Police Department. Power lines are down there.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Herndon Parkway closed in both directions at Palmer Dr due to an accident. Power lines are down. Please find an alternate route. Updates as available. #HerndonPD pic.twitter.com/bMWs8TLR3J

— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) August 10, 2022

The full Flash Flood Warning from the NWS is below: Read More

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.

[8/5 at 11:18 AM] A Flood Watch has been issued from 3 PM – 11 PM as heavy rain producing storms are expected. Since our grounds are saturated, more rain could quickly lead to flooding. Stay weather aware and if you encounter flooded roads, "Turn Around, Don't Drown." #VaWx pic.twitter.com/vvoQjAXRlm

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) August 5, 2022

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.

August has definitely arrived in the D.C. area, with another day in store for tomorrow (Thursday).

Like the rest of the region, Fairfax County will be under a Heat Advisory from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service’s alert, the heat index — which combines heat and humidity — could reach up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, enough to potentially lead to heat-related illnesses.

Fortunately, the NWS has some advice:

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.

Fairfax County has several facilities designated as cooling centers, including its two government centers, libraries, community centers, rec centers, and emergency shelters for those experiencing homelessness.

“Resting for just two hours in air conditioning can significantly reduce heat-related illnesses,” the county said in an emergency information blog post.

[1:02 PM] HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11AM TO 8PM THURSDAY. Make sure to hydrate, and to move outdoor activities inside if possible. pic.twitter.com/QvDDvT5TlX

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) August 3, 2022

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.

It is going to be HOT today. If you spend time outside today drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous work during the warmest times of the day. pic.twitter.com/b4aoxVB1vL

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) July 21, 2022