First it snowed. Then the freezing rain fell. Now it is just rain on top of ice — at least until later today.
Tuesday morning’s weather has made for slick sidewalks and traffic backups, but forecasters say temperatures should rise quickly and make things slushy — but not dangerous — in the next few hours. Highs should be near 50 by mid-day.
Meanwhile, Fairfax County Public Schools are closed. Fairfax County Government is open. Metro is on its regular weekday service plan, but delays are being reported on Blue, Orange and Silver lines.
Fairfax County is also under a flood watch today, with the greatest flood risk Tuesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service. A flood watch means there is potential for flooding.
Let us know what you see out there on your commute this morning.
Ice on trees in Reston Feb. 16/Credit: Douglas H. Errett via Twitter
Fire and Rescue squads from Reston’s Station 25 were out on Lake Audubon’s ice over the weekend. There was no one in peril; the firefighters were practicing rescue drills should someone fall through the ice.
Even though its was a 50-degree day, the ice remained frozen solid, and the squad had to use a chain saw to drill through the six-inch-thick ice.
Then the firefighters took turns donning a high-tech wetsuit and climbing into the freezing water. The suit is made of thick rubber and it seamless from boots to hood to gloves, making it warm and dry for the rescuers.
The rest of the crew worked on pulling the “victim” out of the water and to safety.
It has been a few years since the water on Reston’s lakes has seen significant freezing. Technically, skating and walking on the lakes is banned by Reston Association. Still, many residents have been seen in the last few weeks testing out the surface.
