Cold Weather Resources as ‘Bomb Cyclone’ Sweeps Through East Coast

As the historic bomb cyclone unleashes blizzard conditions from costal Virginia to New England sends reverberations to the Reston area.

A winter weather advisory for Fairfax County and other parts of the region has been extended to 1 p.m. today due to snow-covered, slippery roads and limited visibility, according to the National Weather Service.

As of around 7 a.m. this morning, Reston received half an inch of snow. All Reston Community Center events are cancelled.

Residents are advised to take several steps as frigid temperatures continue to follow the snow:

• Avoid frozen pipes by eliminating drafts. Search for areas in the home where water supply lines are located in unheated areas and take measures to prevent the flow of cold air in these areas. Make sure the water line to outside faucets is turned off and the line is drained. Keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature even if you are away from home to prevent water pipes from freezer. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch due to the potential for electric shock.
• Dress warmly to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid overexertion, dress warmly in loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.
• Check on vulnerable neighbors, particularly the elderly.

If you see anyone who is unsheltered and needs help, call the police department’s non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. The county has been housing between 200 and 220 people a night through its hypothermia program.

Through March 31, Cornerstones is offering housing for unsheltered homeless adults at the North County Human Services Building (1850 Cameron Glen Drive), which is near the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. The program operates every night regardless of inclement weather and on all holidays.

Just yesterday, local police found a 79-year-old woman who had been reporting missing when the temperature was just eight degrees. The woman is now recovering in a local hospital.

The long, cold winter nights are upon us.

Imagine you are spending the night sleeping outside, behind a store on Route 1 or in the woods of Burke.

This winter local nonprofits are working w/ 44 faith communities to provide safe places to sleep. Details: https://t.co/mr662OUQLj pic.twitter.com/JuOeXITt1S

— Fairfax County Government (@fairfaxcounty) January 2, 2018