Gusty Winds and Flash Flood Watch Issued

Posted at 3:48 p.m.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Fairfax County through late tonight. The forecast indicates warm temperatures surging ahead of a cold front will fuel several weather threats today and tonight:

• Strong winds. Winds will steadily increase today with possible gusts near 40 mph by this evening. These damaging wind gusts could cause downed trees and electric lines.
• Heavy rain. While total rainfall is only expected to be 1 to 2 inches, it will likely fall in a short period of time and this could cause flash flooding. Those in low lying areas of the county need to monitor the situation and be prepared to move vehicles or families to higher ground should the need arise.

5 Tips to be Ready

1. Get where you need to be before the weather gets bad. If you have a high profile vehicle like a SUV, they are more sensitive to strong wind gusts.
2. Don’t drive through high water – remember to “Turn around, don’t drown.”
3. Exercise extreme caution at intersections. If traffic signals lose power, remember to treat that as a 4-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way.
   • Proceed with caution only when traffic permits.
   • Enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.
   • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
   • Watch out for and obey police officers directing traffic within intersections.
4. Have flash lights readily available — with extra batteries – and make sure your cellphones are fully charged. 
5. Check on your neighbors, especially if your neighborhood loses electricity.

 

Stay Informed

Be sure to sign up for free weather alerts from CEAN, the Community Emergency Alert Network. And if you need them, here’s a list of important phone numbers that may be helpful.

Today is the First Day of Winter

Posted at 11:15 a.m.

Today, Friday, Dec. 21, is a big day! According to the Mayan Prophecy, today marks the end of the world, but today is also the official start of winter.

Assuming you don’t believe that the world ends today — more from NASA on that — you may be interested in the beginning of the winter solstice. And today’s weather in Fairfax County actually looks and feels like winter, with temperatures only in the low 40s today and for the next several days. In addition, winds will be fairly substantial today and this weekend, with gusts up to 55 mph tomorrow. A High Wind Watch is in effect tomorrow morning through Saturday afternoon.

High winds have the potential to bring down trees, power lines, signs and awnings, and can turn unsecured objects — like outdoor holiday decorations — into dangerous projectiles. To prevent damage and injury, bring loose items indoors and fully secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans.

What else can you do as we experience high winds?

• Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches and objects in your yard, patio or balcony that could blow away.
• Strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for those driving high profile vehicles and anyone driving across bridges and overpasses. If you’re driving, maintain a firm grip on the wheel and keep a safe distance between vehicles.
• If you see a downed power line, call 9-1-1 and also report the downed line(s) to your local utility provider. Do not try to free lines or remove debris yourself.
• Make sure you have some extra batteries on hand and are prepared in case of power outages. Be sure to report outages to your provider.

Take a few minutes today to prepare for high winds, and as we “officially” start winter, download the National Weather Service publication (PDF) “Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers” for lots on information on how you can keep your family safe during the coming winter months.

Tips for Power Outages

Posted 2:17 p.m.

As the weather is about to get much worse and the winds reach tropical storm speeds for 24 hours, power outages are inevitable.

Remember the derecho with 24 minutes of wind? We’re about to experience 24 hrs dangerous wind/conditions.

• Save important phone numbers to your phone or write them down, especially your power company.
• Make sure you have a battery powered radio. We will work with radio media
• View tips from Dominion Virginia Power and NOVEC
  • Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711; view outage map
  • NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711; view outage reports

• Stay away from downed wires as they may be live with electricity.
• Do not use candles as they may pose a fire threat.
• Be sure to operate generators safely.
• Under the declaration of emergency, the use of generators is authorized beyond 9 p.m. until the emergency is lifted. They can run for several straight days during the emergency. After the state of emergency is lifted, regular noise ordinance rules must be followed.
• An electrical power outage will affect the safe storage of refrigerated and frozen foods. Perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk and eggs that are not stored properly refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed.  In order to protect these foods from spoilage and save them for your use during the emergency, follow these guidelines.  

10 Ways to Get Ready for Hurricane Sandy

Posted 12:56 p.m.

National Weather Service rainfall potential of Hurricane Sandy for the next 1-5 days.

Hurricane Sandy continues to be a major threat to our area and could lead to substantial impacts in the next few days. Virginia has already declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm.

To put it simply: we need you to prepare.

The storm’s track is not yet certain, but the National Weather Service models this morning suggest a likely scenario of 4-6 inches of rain, tropical storm winds, downed trees/power lines and flooding for possibly multiple days. More details will become available later today and Saturday from the National Weather Service about timing and impact.

But right now, we have time to get ready.

What you need to know and do:

1.)    Supplies: Get your supplies – water, medicines, canned food, cash, pet food and more. View more suggestions for emergency supply kits. We strongly recommend that you be prepared with at least three days of supplies.

2.)    Gas: Fill your car’s gas tank. Gas stations will be in short supply in a power outage.

3.)    Generators: If you have a generator or plan to buy one, please be familiar with safety tips.

4.)    Food Safety:  Power outages and flooding may happen as a result of a tropical storm or hurricane, so have a plan for keeping food safe. Have a cooler on hand to keep food cold, and group food together in the freezer so it stays cold longer.

5.)    Outdoor Items: Plan to secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

6.)    Trees: Remove dead limbs on trees that could fall on your property (home, car, land).

7.)    Leaves: Clear leaves from storm drains, gutters and other areas that, if clogged, could cause flooding.

8.)    Weather Forecasts: Pay close attention to weather forecasts for the latest storm track. We will provide guidance as needed. Purchase or charge up your weather radio. If you have a weather radio that uses SAME codes, Fairfax County’s SAME code is 051059.

9.)    Tech Ready: View our Digital Preparedness Kit, which is an important way to stay informed and connected before, during and after an emergency.

10.) Phone Numbers: Save important phone numbers to your phone or write them down, especially your power company. Always report a power outage.

Please share this information with your family, friends and co-workers so our whole community can be better prepared.

3 Ways to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

Posted 4:44 p.m.

Hurricane Sandy continues its move north and the National Weather Service reports it will impact the Washington region. However, the exact impact and timing are not yet known. The range of impacts could be low, such as minor coastal flooding, to significant if there’s a direct hit, which is still within the cone of uncertainty. With a direct hit, we would experience significant flooding, power outages and tropical storm winds.

At conference call with regional governments this afternoon, the National Weather Service says the most likely scenario for our area right now is a slow, long-lasting system with tropical storm winds, heavy rain/flooding and moderate tidal flooding. The National Weather Service will not have a definitive scenario until at least Saturday.

So while it’s too early to identify path and impacts, it’s never too early to get ready, especially with the uncertainty surrounding this storm.

There are a few things you can do now in advance of the storm. We need the whole community — families, businesses, nonprofits, faith communities and other key groups — to prepare:

1.)     Get Emergency Supplies

• Buy extra water. One gallon of water per person (and pet) per day is recommended for drinking and sanitation.
• Buy an extra bag (or cans) of food for your pet.
• Withdraw some extra cash from your bank or ask for cash back at a grocery store so you can make purchases in case there are power outages.
• Review your infant and young children supplies essential to you as a parent or someone who may be taking care of a young child.
• Pickup an extra package or two of the most commonly used batteries in your home.
• Purchase extra over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or children’s medications you frequently use.

2.)    Clear Leaves From Storm Drains.

It’s fall and our trees are showing off their reds and oranges, but many leaves have hit the ground. Keep storm drains clear in case we receive inches of rain. If you live within a homeowner’s association or apartment complex check in to see if they plan to clear common areas.

3.)    Stay Informed

• Share this blog post with your family/friends/coworkers and ask them to subscribe to posts by email. This blog will provide updates throughout the storm.
• Sign up for our Community Emergency Alert Network text/email updates that will provide weather alerts and other critical information.
• If you use social media sites, then follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Be an information ambassador for us and share/retweet updates. If using Twitter, help us see local tweets by using the hashtag #ffxstorm
• Keep up to date with local conditions – follow TV and radio reports from your area, or visit http://www.weather.gov (http://mobile.weather.gov on your phone) for the latest forecast.
• Download our county mobile apps with emergency information and get the American Red Cross “Hurricane” app – Android, Apple.

For more tips, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency.

Be Alert for Severe Storms Today

Posted 1:32 p.m.

A strong cold front will move through our area later today (probably between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.). This front could cause damaging wind gusts in excess of 55 mph, locally heavy rainfall and an isolated tornado. Please stay informed as the storm may be heavier in some areas, including localized flooding.

A tornado watch has been issued for the National Capital Region until 7 p.m. Know the differences between tornado watches and warnings.  

Six Actions to Take:

1.) Sign up for weather text/email alerts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean and/or pay close attention to weather forecasts. 

2.) If roads flood, “turn around, don’t drown.” Do not drive through flooded roads. This storm may strike us during rush hour, so please slow down and allow extra time for travel.

 3.) Please keep children away from streams and creeks that may rise rapidly.

 4.) Bring in any outdoor furniture or other items that may not be secure.

 5.) In case you lose power, call your provider. Do not assume they know your power is out. For Dominion Virginia Power customers, call 1-866-366-4357, TTY 711. For NOVEC customers, call 1-888-335-0500, TTY 711.

 6.) If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you are experiencing other public safety non-emergencies, please call 703-691-2131, TTY 703-204-2264.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Western Fairfax County

Posted 10:08 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Western Fairfax County until 10:45 p.m. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. Locations impacted include Dulles International Airport, Centreville and Chantilly. This is a dangerous storm. If you are in its path, prepare immediately for damaging wind gusts and frequent cloud to ground lightning. Move indoors to a sturdy building and stay away from windows. More weather online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/oem/weather.htm.

Tree and Debris Removal

Posted: 11:39 a.m.

The storm may have left a trail of debris on your property. Here’s some information about debris removal to help you get rid of those materials. Many may also have downed trees in and around their yards. Find out more about tree removal and who to contact if you need help.

The county’s two disposal facilities — the I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Solid Waste Complex — are open for residents to dispose of yard debris.

Both locations are open on their regular schedules for residential trash and recycling:

• I-66 Transfer Station
  4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax
  Monday-Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• I-95 Solid Waste Complex
  9850 Furnace Road, Lorton
  Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special July 4 schedule:

• I-66 Transfer Station
  9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for deliveries from residents only
  9 a.m. to 6 p.m. brush accepted from commercial haulers
  NO TRASH from commercial haulers
• I-95 Solid Waste Complex
  7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for deliveries from residents only
  7 a.m. to 6 p.m. brush accepted from commercial haulers
  Trash from commercial haulers accepted from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Both facilities only accept tree branches that are 20 inches or less in diameter. There is a minimum $5 fee for residents to dispose of yard waste and brush at either of the two disposal facilities. Payment may be made by cash, Visa or MasterCard.

Residents should contact their trash collection company to get instructions about how to dispose of storm-related debris.

If your trash is collected by the county, please call to schedule a brush pickup.  Due to the amount of storm-related damage, pickups may be delayed.

Avoid Repair Fraud

Posted: 3:33 p.m.

The aftermath of severe storm damage often results in increased consumer complaints due to contractor fraud or shoddy repairs by unlicensed contractors.

Consumers, anxious to make their homes livable again, may let their guard down and overlook the standard warning signs of a home repair scam. Using good judgment and taking the necessary precautions could save you money and frustration.

• Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed.
• Make sure the contractor has insurance.
• Verify that permits have been obtained.
• Check the contractor’s complaint history.
• Get detailed written estimates and insist on a written contract.
• Do not pay more than 10 percent down and do not let payments get ahead of the work.

Find more information at the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch and Recover and Rebuild.

The Virginia Bureau of Insurance has specially trained staff to help consumers with their disaster-related insurance questions or problems. More information is available online or contact the Bureau of Insurance at 804-371-9185 (Property and Casualty Division) or 804-371-9691 (Life and Health Division) or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560.  People with hearing or speech impairments may call through the SCC’s Telecommunications Device for the Deaf and hard of hearing (TDD) at 804-371-9206. Correspondence may be mailed to the Bureau of Insurance at P.O. Box 1157, Richmond, VA 23218.

Storm Aftermath Update: Sunday Morning

Posted: 6:12 a.m.

A state of emergency remains in effect for Fairfax County and Virginia as a result of the severe storms that impacted our area Friday night.

Here’s what you need to know this morning:

9-1-1 and Non-Emergency Numbers

• Please only call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency; do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages.
• If you need to call public safety for a non-emergency, please use these alternate numbers: 703-691-7561 or 703-691-3680.  Do not call these numbers for power outage information.

Power

• Of 420,668 Fairfax customers, 155,180 Dominion customers and 1,252 NOVEC customers are without power.  
• Stay away from downed wires as they may be live with electricity.
• Do not use candles as they may pose a fire threat.
• If you have lost power or know people who have, please report the outage:
  • Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711; view outage map
  • NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711; view outage reports

Water

• Boil water notice is in effect for portions of Tysons, Vienna, Dunn Loring and Merrifield (Falls Church water customers). Fairfax Water customers do not need to boil water. More details and map.

Roads

• Treat intersections with traffic lights that are out or flashing as four-way stops; the driver on the right has the right-of-way. Traffic rules during power outages.
• For the latest info, call VDOT at 511 or 1-800-FOR-ROAD.

Heat Relief Options

High temperatures continue today. Here are tips for keeping cool and safe. County facilities will be open for those without power and others seeking relief from the heat (pets cannot be accommodated).  These facilities include:

• Lee District RECenter
  6601 Telegraph Road
  Franconia, Va.
  703-922-9841
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mount Vernon RECenter
  2017 Belle View Blvd.
  Alexandria, Va.
  703-768-3224
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• South Run RECenter
  7550 Reservation Drive
  Springfield, Va.
  703-866-0566
  Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Cub Run RECenter
  4630 Stonecroft Blvd.
  Chantilly, Va.20151
  703-817-9407
  Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Burke Centre Library
  5935 Freds Oak Road
  Burke, Va.
  703-249-1520
  Hours: Noon to 6 p.m.

Additionally, regional libraries with power will be open to the public. Please call to confirm. Centreville – 703-830-2223; Chantilly – 703-502-3883; City of Fairfax – 703-293-6227; George Mason – 703-256-3800; Pohick – 703-644-7333; Reston – 703-689-2700; Sherwood – 703-765-3645; Tysons Pimmit – 703-790-8088.

Storm Aftermath: What You Need to Know

Posted 1:16 a.m.

A major line of storms roared through our area this evening causing many issues, including two confirmed fatalities and more than 100 homes damaged by fallen trees.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Please only call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency; do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages.

• Approximately 20,000 Fairfax County residents are without power. If you have lost power or know people who have, please report the outage:
  • Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711; view outage map
  • NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711; view outage reports

• Stay away from downed wires as they may be live with electricity.
• It’s going to be very hot again Saturday as heat index values will be close to 104. Power may not be restored to all residents immediately. Please start making plans to seek shelter during the heat with friends, family or neighbors, as well as at public buildings such as libraries, movie theathers, shopping malls and other community facilities. Please check in on vulnerable neighbors who may need assistance without power. Drink plenty of fluids.
• Don’t use candles during outages; stick with battery power. If you must use a candle, never leave it unattended or while asleep.
• Several roadways are closed in Fairfax County with many more covered in debris (mainly tree limbs).
• Here’s who to call to have trees removed if on public property.
• If power remains out and affects traffic lights, please obey these traffic rules.

Tornado Watch Until 2 a.m.; Second Wave of Storms Coming Soon

Posted 8:05 p.m.

The National Weather Service tornado watch continues until 2 a.m. A second wave of storms is on its way to our area bringing with it heavy rain, wind, hail and possible tornadoes. This second wave will hit between 9 and 11 p.m.

Please stay alert for changing conditions, especially nighttime tornadoes and road flooding. Two cars were caught in swift water this evening, so please, turn around, don’t drown.

Stay tuned to local media, our emergency alert network, social media or other tools that will alert you.

Severe Weather to Impact Our Area; Tornado Watch Until 9 p.m.

Posted 3:01 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County and the entire National Capital Area. Thunderstorms, heavy rains, wind, large hail and potential flooding are also expected beginning this afternoon.

This is a dangerous storm. Let’s break down potential issues to consider:

Tornadoes

A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado and that tornadoes are possible. The National Weather Service is predicting that the greatest threat for tornadoes in Fairfax County will be between 7 and 10 p.m.

Think of where you would normally be during that time –at home, in a restaurant or movie theater, outdoors, at work or in the car. You may only have a few seconds to react. Decide now where you would go if a tornado warning is issued.  

You may also be sleeping, too, so ensure you have some way to be notified of a potential tornado warning. Sign up for our Community Emergency Alert Network, listen to a weather radio, follow social media sites or watch local TV.

View more tornado preparedness and safety tips.

Heavy Rain, Winds and Flooding

This weather system could bring winds up to 50 mph and 1-2 inches of rain.  If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Do not drive in flooded roads – “turn around, don’t drown.” Also, it’s very important to keep your children inside and away from streams and creeks.

If you live in a flood-prone area, identify where to go if ordered to evacuate and the safest route to get there. If there is a flood, you may only have minutes to get to safety. Choose several places – a friend’s home in another town, a motel or a shelter. View more flood safety tips.

Due to high winds, please secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

Power Outages

Due to high winds, you may lose power. Plan ahead for life without power. Have an emergency kit ready with food to eat and other supplies.

Avoid using lighted candles as they may cause a fire. Flashlights are safer when the power is out.

If you are driving and traffic lights are out, please abide by these rules.

In case you lose your power, here are the numbers to call to report the outage:

• Dominion Virginia Power outages and downed wires: 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711
• BGE outages: 877-778-2222; downed wires: 800-685-0123
• NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative) outages and downed wires: 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711
• Pepco outages: 1-877-737-2662

Emergency Phone Numbers

Only call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Refer to this list of important phone numbers for other key contacts; bookmark it on your computer, smartphone or write down the numbers.

Elevated Fire Weather Threat Today

Posted 12:19 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a special statement today about the continued increase chance of fires in our area.

Today’s weather includes northwest winds around 15 mph, gusting to 25 mph coupled with relative humidity drops between 25 and 35 percent. These factors combined with low fuel moisture will create an enhanced threat for the spread of wildfires across much of northern and central Virginia, in addition to Maryland and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

Winds will diminish and relative humidity will increase toward sunset.

Open burning of any type is considered very hazardous this time of year. Accidental escaped debris burns are the No. 1 cause of wildfires. Please be careful igniting any flames, discarding cigarettes and handling other flammable materials that may lead to brush and wildfires.

Red Flag Fire Warning Until 8 p.m.

Red flag warning for high fire potential in effect until 8 pm. Dry conditions, gusty winds can create brush fires. 1.usa.gov/IhsP03

—
Fairfax County (@fairfaxcounty) April 09, 2012