(Updated at 6:30 p.m.) More than 6,000 people in the Reston and Great Falls area are currently without power, as strong winds wreak havoc on Fairfax County’s electrical grid and traffic.
According to Dominion Energy’s outage map, there are more than 50 separate power outages in Reston, Herndon, and Great Falls, including one in Great Falls that has affected 2,524 customers.
Crews have been dispatched to all of those locations. Dominion Energy estimates that power could be restored throughout the area any time between 7 p.m. and midnight.
The National Weather Service issued a Wind Advisory that took effect at noon and was later upgraded to a High Wind Warning, which will remain in effect until 2 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday). Even though no rain or thunder was anticipated, the agency issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning at 4:38 p.m., saying that wind gusts could reach up to 60 miles per hour.
“Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall,” the NWS said. “This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.”
In addition to affecting power, the strong winds have caused at least 76 traffic incidents in Fairfax County, and the county government says that 9-1-1 and its non-emergency phone lines are experiencing “extremely high” call volumes.
The Severe Thunderstorm Warning expired at 5:15 p.m., but local residents could be dealing with the storm’s impact well into this evening.
Due to high winds several trees and power lines are down all over Fairfax County// Please be careful when driving and expect delays pic.twitter.com/p0yXUKFBF7
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) April 30, 2021
https://twitter.com/fairfaxcounty/status/1388252467314499588
Image via Dominion Energy
Wind Advisory in Effect — The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for the D.C. area, including Fairfax County, starting at noon today (Friday). In effect until 2 a.m. Saturday, the alert says to expect northwest winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 55 miles per hour. Gusts could blow around unsecured objects and bring down tree limbs, potentially leading to power outages. [NWS]
More Witnesses Come Forward in Sexual Battery Case — Additional victims and witnesses have contacted Herndon police about massage therapist Zachary Nelson Guzman-Orellana, 39, of Leesburg, who was arrested on April 21 on a charge of aggravated sexual battery. Police encourage any other victims or people with further information to call 703-435-6846. [Herndon Police Department/Twitter]
Rush Hour Toll Increase on Dulles Greenway Barred — Virginia’s State Corporation Commission approved a 25-cent increase for non-peak hour tolls on the Dulles Greenway but ruled that peak tolls can’t be raised now due to uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic. State legislators recently passed a law requiring the Virginia Department of Transportation to approve future toll increases on the privately operated road. [WTOP]
About 160,000 Virginians Miss Second Vaccine Dose — Virginia Department of Health data indicates that nearly 10% of Virginians who received a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines didn’t return for their second one in the recommended time frame. Scheduling challenges and anxieties about side effects that tend to be heavier with the second dose could be factors. [Virginia Mercury]
Reston Engineering Firm to Go Public — “Reston engineering firm Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. is planning to go public, and recently priced its shares for an initial public offering that could raise up to $49.5 million.” [Washington Business Journal]
Conservatory Ballet Founder Dies — “It is with great sadness that the Conservatory Ballet of Reston announces that Founder and former Director Julia Cziller Redick passed away on April 18, 2021. Mrs. Redick founded The Conservatory Ballet in Reston in 1972 and remained as Director of the school for close to 50 years.” [Conservatory Ballet Foundation/IssueWire]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
If you’ve stepped or looked outside this afternoon, it will likely come as no surprise that a wind advisory has been issued for Fairfax County and the rest of the D.C. area.
Sent out at 2:47 p.m., the National Weather Service says that the advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m., with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 50 miles per hour.
Here are the details from the full alert:
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of The District of Columbia, central and southern Maryland and northern Virginia.
* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
“Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle,” the NWS said. “Secure outdoor objects.”
Wind Advisory In Effect Today — The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. Gusty windows could blow around unsecured objects and some power outages may be expected. [NWS]
Work on Lake Anne Garden Plot Begins — Reston Association is installing a 10-foot black vinyl fence around the perimeter of the garden. The project is expected to be completed within two weeks. [RA]
Fairfax County Jobless Rates Dip — The county’s unemployment rate fell nearly half a half-percent from December to January as part of an ongoing but slow trend toward recovery. [Sun Gazette]
Brabrand to Host Town Hall — Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand will host a virtual town hall meeting from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, April 12. He plans to discuss Gov. Ralph Northam’s latest guidance of graduations and other school events. [FCPS]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Wind Advisory In Effect — The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory that will be in effect from 2-6 p.m. today. [NWS]
Metro Seeks Comment on Proposed Budget — Metro is seeking the public’s feedback on its budget, which faces a significant shortfall due to a decrease in ridership caused by the pandemic. Ridership is down about 90 percent on Metrorail. [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority]
Reston Association Committee to Host First Public Forum — The organization’s multimodal transportation advisory committee is hosting its first public forum of this year on March 11. The committee seeks input on sidewalks, trails, pathways, crosswalks, and the overall pedestrian experience in Reston. [RA]
Death Penalty Repeal Sent to State Governor — Virginia could become the first state in the South to end the death penalty. The legislation was passed on Monday by state lawmakers and now heads to the desk of Gov. Ralph Northam. Virginia has executed more people in its history than any other state. [Reston Patch]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
A Wind Advisory is in effect for most of the day through 2 p.m. today (Monday).
The National Weather Service cautions that winds with gusts of up to 50 mph are expected in most of the region.
Here’s more from the alert:
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Gusty winds are expected tonight through Monday morning. See map for more details. pic.twitter.com/7zIalTcPu3
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) November 2, 2020
Another wind advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. today (Monday).
The National Weather Service warns residents that storms could cause downed. Trees and power lines. Here’s more from forecasters:
* WHAT…South through mid-morning at 20 to 30 mph with gusts around 50 to 55 mph expected. Winds will become southwest lat this morning and afternoon.
* WHERE…Northern and central Virginia, northern and central Maryland, portions of eastern West Virginia, and the city of Washington DC as well as Baltimore.
* WHEN…From 6 AM this morning to 6 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree may be blown down due to the saturated ground, and this may lead to power outages.
Potential for a significant severe weather outbreak throughout the day on Monday. Multiple rounds of severe storms expected between sunrise and mid-afternoon. Storms will bring a threat for large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. pic.twitter.com/ZoXCnH0ND2
— National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 12, 2020
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Wind Advisory in Effect Today — Day two of holding onto your hats continues today. The National Weather Service has issued an advisory from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. [National Weather Service]
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Member Tests Positive — A member of the department tested positive for the coronavirus and has not been to work since the symptoms began over three weeks ago. Although no other personnel have tested positive, 17 department members are under quarantine due to unrelated exposures. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
A Feature on The Elden Street Tea Shop — Rachel Eisenfeld, a town resident, reflects on how the Herndon community will get through the coronavirus crisis together. [Reston Patch]
School Lottery Deadline Extended — Registration for the Kindergarten Immersion Lottery and the Magnet School Lottery programs has been extended to Monday, May 4. [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Wind Advisory In Effect Today — A wind advisory is in effect for today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Weather Service encourages caution while driving. Outdoor objects should also be secured. [National Weather Service]
A Request for Local Businesses — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is conducting an online survey to determine how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting local businesses. Responses are due by tomorrow (Friday) at 5 p.m. [Fairfax County Economic Development Authority]
Reston Shop Donates Dresses to Coronavirus Responders — Scout & Molly’s in Reston Town Center is donating dresses to frontline responders. When a customer purchases a dress online, the store will donate a dress of equal or lesser value. [Reston Patch]
Northam Pushes Elections Back — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam pushed elections back due to the COVID-19 crisis. The state’s June 9 congressional primary has been delayed by two weeks to June 23. [WTOP]
School Board to Discuss Budget Today — The Fairfax County Public Schools’ board will meet at 10 a.m. today to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on the school system’s budget. [Twitter]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
Expect Tuesday’s snow — which brought about 1.5 inches to Reston — to be up in the air today (Wednesday).
A Wind Advisory is in effect through 5 p.m. today in the area.  The National Weather Service expects west winds from 20 to 25 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph.
Here’s more from the alert:
* WHERE…Portions of The District of Columbia, central, north central and northern Maryland and northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 11 AM this morning to 5 PM EST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around. unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Residents should use caution while driving and secure outdoor objects as needed.
A Wind Advisory has been issued for areas along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the DC metro areas and northward until 5 pm today. Check our website: https://t.co/CJFhYzBvKR for more information. pic.twitter.com/AkvYuLs22Y
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) January 8, 2020
Photo by Ruth Sievers
After pleasant weather earlier this week, expect conditions to get wet and windy today.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch starting from noon today (Friday) until 5 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) for Fairfax County.
Isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin in the late morning today, with rain accumulations of up to a half-inch. The main storm front is expected after 4 p.m., with as much as two inches of rain possible across the county.
High winds of 11 to 15 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 30 miles per hour are also expected. Keep an eye out for hail too.
Here’s from Fairfax County Government:
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. You should monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
If you encounter water on roadways, please remember — Turn Around, Don’t Drown! It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
The work week will begin with a windy start. The National Weather service has issued a wind advisory, which is in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., for today (April 15).
Winds between 45 to 55 miles per hour are anticipated, which could make driving difficult, according to NWS.
Although today will be chilly, highs in the upper 60s and low 70s are expected for the rest of the week.
Here’s more from the alert:
The National Weather Service in Baltimore MD/Washington has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 8 AM this morning to 8 PM EDT this evening.
* TIMING…From 8 AM this morning until 8 PM this evening. The strongest winds are likely from late morning and through the afternoon hours.
* WINDS…West 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
* IMPACTS…Strong winds may blow down limbs, trees, and power lines. Scattered power outages are expected.
Photo via NWS
