Author: ARLnow.com

Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. Started by a Pentagon City resident who has spent the past several years working in local TV news, ARLnow.com seeks to distinguish itself with original, enterprising, up-to-the-minute local coverage.

Loud cars, loud cars, ACPD is coming for you (eventually)

By ARLnow.com
A police traffic stop in Rosslyn in 2021 (file photo by Jay Westcott)

Thanks to a change in state law, cops in Virginia can again start pulling over the drivers of vehicles with loud, modified exhaust systems.

But it’s not going to happen right away.

A change in state law that is going into effect on July 1 will reverse 2021 legislation that prevented officers from pulling over drivers just for having an excessively loud exhaust system. That law, sponsored by Arlington’s Del. Patrick Hope (D), was intended to reduce pretextual traffic stops and racial disparities, but the months that followed saw an uptick in noise complaints from those living along highways and busy roads.

The noise got bad enough that Arlington County included reversing the legislation in its 2022 state legislative priorities.

With its enforcement authority restored, the Arlington County Police Department says it will start with a public education campaign. After that, spot enforcement will take place, and the department will evaluate whether “other traffic enforcement efforts are needed.

“With changes in legislation, ACPD first begins with a period of education as our goal is to seek voluntary compliance with the law,” department spokeswoman Ashley Savage tells ARLnow. “ACPD is sharing information regarding the legislative change through social media, listservs and with community members and organizations. Once sufficient public messaging is completed, the department will evaluate if random rotating enforcement of observed violations as part of our routine patrol duties, is sufficiently addressing the issue or if other traffic enforcement efforts are needed.”

“Community members can report an ongoing and recurring loud exhaust issue using our ongoing transportation complaint enforcement request,” Savage added. She noted that this is essentially a return to the same rules that were in place prior to the 2021 law.

“It’s important to note that the language of the legislation has not changed,” Savage said. “The provision restricting officers from stopping a vehicle for this violation is being removed effective July 1, 2022 which will essentially move this to a primary offense, rather than a secondary offense.”

An informal ARLnow poll in March found that 64% of respondents supported automated noise enforcement for vehicles, instead of or in addition to enforcement via traffic stops.

More from ACPD:

JUST IN: Local reactions to Roe v. Wade being overturned by Supreme Court

By ARLnow.com
Supreme Court building (file photo)

(Updated at 1 p.m.) The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade in a landmark decision that will effectively ban abortion in more than a dozen states.

Virginia is not one of the states with so-called “trigger laws” that will go into effect as a result of the decision, though Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has expressed support for banning most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The decision will also not immediately impact the legality of abortion in neighboring D.C. and Maryland.

Youngkin — who was in Arlington earlier today for a roundtable with Northern Virginia business leaders — issued a statement after the decision calling for the state legislature to find “a bipartisan consensus on protecting the life of unborn children” ahead of its next session in January 2023.

The Washington Post reported late Friday morning that Youngkin now says he will seek an abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Following word of the decision, local and statewide elected officials and groups have started reacting to the news.

From Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.):

From Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.):

This decision jeopardizes the health and autonomy of millions of American women and turns back the clock on nearly 50 years of settled and reaffirmed law – reflecting a Court that has increasingly issued politicized rulings that undermine the fundamental rights of Americans. This decision will take control over personal health care decisions away from individuals and give it to politicians in state legislatures across the country. I am heartbroken for the generations of women who now have fewer rights than when they were born, many of whom will be forced into life-threatening or prohibitively expensive circumstances to access health care as a result of this radical decision. For them and for all Virginians and Americans, I will continue working to protect needed access to safe, legal abortion.

From Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.):

I am deeply disturbed that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, upsetting decades of precedent protecting the right of women to make fundamental personal decisions about contraception and abortion without unnecessary government interference. That’s why I’ve been engaged in efforts in the Senate to codify the basic framework of Roe v. Wade and related cases into federal law. We’re not going to give up on the fight to protect the right to choose.

From state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D):

From Del. Alfonso Lopez (D):

From Gov. Youngkin:

The Supreme Court of the United States has rightfully returned power to the people and their elected representatives in the states. I’m proud to be a pro-life Governor and plan to take every action I can to protect life. The truth is, Virginians want fewer abortions, not more abortions. We can build a bipartisan consensus on protecting the life of unborn children, especially when they begin to feel pain in the womb, and importantly supporting mothers and families who choose life. That’s why I’ve asked Senator Siobhan Dunnavant, Senator Steve Newman, Delegate Kathy Byron and Delegate Margaret Ransone to join us in an effort to bring together legislators and advocates from across the Commonwealth on this issue to find areas where we can agree and chart the most successful path forward. I’ve asked them to do the important work needed and be prepared to introduce legislation when the General Assembly returns in January.

From Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R):

Today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Dobbs, giving power back to the states to make decisions on abortion. The court has recognized that the 1973 decision was an example of judicial and federal overreach. The important question of abortion has now been returned to statehouses across the country, in order for them to make their own policy decisions- which is exactly what the founding fathers envision when they wrote the 10th amendment to the Constitution. I applaud the Court for recognizing this wrong and having the courage to correct it. I look forward to working with the Governor and the General Assembly in the next legislative session on legislation that respects life.

The 10th Amendment to the Constitution says, ‘The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.’ This ruling supports this amendment.

(more…)

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Twilight on the W&OD Trail (Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler)

Lots of Rain from Wednesday Storms — Most parts of Arlington saw 2-3 inches of rain from Wednesday’s onslaught of storms and downpours, with one weather station in a southwestern portion of the county reporting 3.41 inches. [National Weather Service, Twitter]

No ‘Missing Middle’ Cost Analysis — “Staff leading the effort acknowledge there has been no cost-benefit analysis of exactly how such a major zoning change would impact the local government’s bottom line. Nor is there likely to be one. ‘We typically don’t do analysis of this nature. It’s hard to even capture all of that,’ said Richard Tucker, one of a number of county-government housing personnel dispatched to the June 14 meeting of the Arlington County Civic Federation to address an issue that is fast becoming the most contentious Arlington battle since the Columbia Pike streetcar fight of a decade ago.” [Sun Gazette]

Millions for Local Housing Nonprofits — “Two Arlington-based groups will receive a total of $7 million in federal funding to help provide affordable housing and services to low-income people, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia announced Thursday… Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing Inc. will receive $5 million from the fund and Arlington-based AHC Inc. will receive $2 million.” [Patch]

ACPD Pride Event Next Week — “In recognition of Pride Month and the significant contributions of Arlington’s LGBTQ+ communities, the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) will host the 2nd Annual Pride with the Police… Pride with the Police will take place on: Wednesday, June 29, 20225 p.m. to 7 p.m. [at] Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, located at 555 23rd Street S.” [ACPD]

F.C. Outranks Arlington for ‘Healthiest Community’ — “The City of Falls Church has been recognized as the second healthiest community in the country by U.S. News & World Report… The City earned an overall score of 98, and is the only community to receive a score of 100 in both education and population health.” Arlington ranked No. 13. [City of Falls Church, U.S. News & World Report]

It’s Friday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 83 and low of 63. Sunrise at 5:46 am and sunset at 8:39 pm. [Weather.gov]

Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler

A $10 million revamp of Army Navy Drive is a couple of months away

By ARLnow.com
Bike lanes on Army Navy Drive are visible in this 2021 rendering of Amazon’s HQ2 Phase 2 campus (via NBBJ/Amazon)

A major project to make Army Navy Drive in Pentagon City more bike- and pedestrian-friendly is expected to kick off later this year.

The Arlington County Board approved a $10.6 million construction contract for the long-planned “Complete Streets” project at its meeting this past Saturday.

“The project will rebuild Army Navy Drive within the existing right-of-way as a multimodal complete street featuring enhanced bicycle, transit, and pedestrian facilities and street trees,” said a Board report. “The goal of the project is to create a safer, multimodal system of connections between commercial, residential and retail services of the Pentagon City and Crystal City.”

Currently, Army Navy Drive is a 5-6 lane vehicle thoroughfare mostly serving those driving to the Pentagon, the Pentagon City mall, and nearby apartments, offices and hotels. The project seeks a more balanced mix of transportation modes while giving the corridor a more pedestrian-oriented feel.

“The reconstruction will provide a physically separated two-way protected bicycle lane facility along the south side of Army Navy Drive, in addition to shorter and safer pedestrian crossings, and will accommodate future dedicated transit lanes,” says the project website. “Vehicle travel lanes will be reduced in number where appropriate and will be narrowed to dimensions appropriate for a slower urban context.”

Plans show at least two vehicle lanes in each direction, though some intersections may be configured with two turn lanes and only one through lane.

“Complete Streets” project plan for portion of Army Navy Drive (via Arlington County)

The project’s impending kickoff comes amid the continued construction of Amazon’s HQ2, the northern edge of which — including the iconic “Helix” building that’s part of HQ2’s recently-approved second phase — will border Army Navy Drive. It will also help facilitate the planned expansion of the Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway and will serve a burgeoning residential population in the neighborhood, including a potentially expanded RiverHouse apartment complex.

More from the Board report:

This project will provide a key missing link in the County’s bicycle network by providing an east-west protected bicycle facility that will link up with the Mount Vernon Trail via the existing bike facilities along Long Bridge Drive and the proposed connection to be constructed by the adjacent Boundary Channel Drive/I-395 Interchange project. Furthermore, the project will link to the future two-way bicycle lane facility planned for South Clark Street between 12th Street South and 15th Street South, in addition to the future South Eads Street protected bike lanes.

This project will also complete the extended Crystal City Potomac Yard Transitway by adding one dedicated transit lane in each direction along Army Navy Drive between South Joyce Street and South Hayes Street. Finally, the Army Navy Drive Complete Street project supports multimodal connectivity goals of major planned and approved commercial and residential development in Pentagon City, including the Amazon HQ2, Met Park, and River House projects.

(more…)

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Lollie

By ARLnow.com
1/2

Say hello to Lollie, a gorgeous Golden Retriever and the newest Adoptable Pet of the Week. This fluffy girl loves meeting new people and is looking to settle down.

Lollie’s friends at Animal Welfare League of Arlington, which is currently at or near capacity for its dog kennels, had this to say:

Lollie recently arrived here from one of our rescue partners in West Virginia, and seems to have already settled into city life. She’s a friendly girl who enjoys playing with other dogs and getting gentle pets from people. If you’re lucky, she might even roll over for a belly rub! Lollie also loves playing with other dogs.

While Lollie enjoys meeting new people and is very affectionate, she is not what people tend to think of as a ‘typical’ Golden Retriever who loves any and all interactions with people. She can be nervous and uncomfortable with some people, especially those that don’t pay attention to her body language or respect her personal space.

At the shelter, we practice something called “Consent to Pet” with Lollie (and all of our dogs and cats). When Lollie approaches us for pets, we pet her chest for 2-3 seconds, then stop. If she moves towards us or nudges us with her nose, that’s a signal that she wants more pets. If she moves away or shows other signs of discomfort, we stop petting. Lollie’s signs of discomfort can be very subtle — turning her head away, tension in her face, slight ‘freezes’, lip licks, etc.

It’s important for anyone interacting with her to pay attention to these signs so that you can give her space when she is asking for it. It is very important that her new family, friends, or visitors also use this technique so that Lollie has a choice in her interactions with people and feels more confident.

Because of Lollie’s need for gentle interactions and a calm household, she is looking for an adult-only home, with a family who is comfortable giving her space when she asks for it and encouraging others to do the same.

Is Lollie the furry companion for you? Check out her complete profile to learn more and schedule a time to meet!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos — they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise in Arlington

By ARLnow.com
File photo

(Updated at 1:45 p.m.) Arlington is in the midst of a rash of catalytic converter thefts.

At least a half dozen vehicles in the Arlington Forest and Barcroft neighborhoods have have their catalytic converters stolen in recent days, a reader tells ARLnow. That follows reports of multiple converter thefts in various parts of the county in March and April.

An Arlington County Police Department spokeswoman tells ARLnow that 85 catalytic converter thefts have been reported so far in 2022, which is now higher than the 82 reported in all of 2021. There have been 17 such thefts reported so far during the month of June, said ACPD’s Ashley Savage, updating today’s figure with three newly-reported cases since Wednesday.

Early yesterday (Wednesday) morning, police nearly caught a group of catalytic converter thieves who were seen tampering with cars 1-2 blocks from the intersection of Langston Blvd and N. Harrison Street.

The suspects sped away after later being spotted by officers near the intersection of N. Glebe Road and Military Road, not far from Chain Bridge. Their car was subsequently found abandoned, with “multiple” catalytic converters inside.

From the ACPD crime report:

GRAND LARCENY: THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS, 2022-06220038, 5400 block of 23rd Street N. At approximately 3:19 a.m. on June 22, police were dispatched to the report of a vehicle tampering in progress. The reporting party advised dispatch that they had observed three unknown male suspects trying door handles of parked vehicles before fleeing the scene in the suspect vehicle. A lookout was broadcast and officers observed the suspect vehicle traveling in the area of N. Glebe Road and Military Road. Upon observing officers, the driver quickly accelerated and fled the area. Officers located the unoccupied vehicle in the area of 41st Street N. at Glebe Road. A search of the area was conducted with the assistance of a police helicopter and yielded negative results. During the course of the investigation, multiple catalytic converters, as well as burglarious tools were observed in plain view inside the suspect vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.

The thefts are a regional problem. Earlier this year there were numerous reports across the D.C. area of a rise in catalytic converter thefts. The exhaust emission control devices are a popular target for thieves because they contain several valuable precious metals.

Savage and ACPD offered the following general crime prevention tips to help Arlingtonians reduce the chance of vehicle-related thefts.

  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Pull on the door handle to verify it’s locked.
  • Park in well-lit, high traffic areas and activate exterior lights at your home.
  • Take all valuables out of your vehicle.
  • Do not leave your keys, key fobs, or valet keys in your vehicle. This includes keys to a secondary vehicle.
  • Participate in the 9PM Routine and encourage your family, friends and neighbors to do so too.

“As time and resources permit, officers are conducting extra patrols in the areas of reported incidents,” Savage told ARLnow. “The department’s efforts are enhanced by the active involvement of the community. Community members observing in-progress criminal activity, such as individuals pulling on handles of parked cars, should report for police investigation by contacting the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.”

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com
Raining Crystal City (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington Medic Saves Man at Nats Game — “The Clements were sitting in the front row of section 209 when John suffered a heart attack. He thought he was going to die… Jamie Jill, an Arlington County EMT, and Lindy Prevatt, an emergency room nurse, were sitting in different sections when they saw something was wrong and jumped into action.” [NBC 4]

Arlington Soccer Players on National TV — A group of Arlington Soccer players were prominently featured last night on an NBC Nightly News segment on the 50th anniversary of Title IX. [Twitter]

Would-Be Candidate Changes Mind — “Brandon Clark is officially off the Nov. 8 ballot for School Board after he decided not to make the run. Clark, a public-school teacher, initially announced plans to seek the Democratic endorsement for the School Board seat being vacated by Barbara Kanninen. But he later dropped that bid, saying he instead would run as an independent in the general election. Then he changed his mind again, getting out of the race entirely.” [Sun Gazette]

Rail Bridge Proposal Advancing — “For now, a single rail bridge carries millions of Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express passengers and freight trains between Virginia and D.C. each year. But a $1.8 billion expansion plan to ease that congestion and add a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists spanning the Potomac River is picking up steam… The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to vote July 7 on the project’s preliminary site development plans.” [Washington Business Journal]

May Home Sales Stayed Strong — “It’s an admittedly lagging indicator in a fast-evolving market, but Arlington home sales held up strong in May, according to new data, overcoming inventory challenges and a more complex economic environment. A total of 313 properties went to closing during the month, down just 6 (or 1.9%) from a year before.” [Sun Gazette]

It’s Thursday — Rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 74 and low of 64. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:39 pm. [Weather.gov]

JUST IN: Flood Warning issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Radar showing storms and heavy rain

A line of “training” thunderstorms could lead to an extended period of heavy rain and flooding in Arlington and surrounding areas.

The National Weather Service just issued a Flood Warning for the area, in effect until 3 a.m.

From NWS:

848 PM EDT Wed Jun 22 2022

…FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM EDT THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, central Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following counties: in DC, District of Columbia. In central Maryland, Montgomery and Prince Georges. In northern Virginia, Arlington, City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church and Fairfax.

* WHEN…Until 300 AM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– At 848 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the warned area. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen.
– Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible in the warned area.
– Some locations that will experience flooding include… Arlington… Alexandria… Bethesda… Annandale… College Park… Langley Park… Falls Church… Huntington… National Harbor… Rosslyn… Howard University… Fort Totten… Gallaudet University… Crystal City… Nationals Park… Reagan National Airport… RFK Stadium… Potomac… North Bethesda… Fairland…
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

Police: Thieves stole luxury cars after entering homes, taking keys

By ARLnow.com
Arlington police car at night (file photo courtesy Kevin Wolf)

Thieves are entering homes in North Arlington and driving off with luxury cars using keys pilfered from inside.

At least two overnight incidents involving three stolen vehicles — a BMW and two Audis — were reported in the Old Glebe and Rock Spring neighborhoods in the latest Arlington County Police Department crime report.

Thieves also made off with “electronics, cash and credit cards” from inside one of the homes, police said.

BURGLARY (late), 2022-06170047, 3800 block of Chesterbrook Road. At approximately 6:45 a.m. on June 17, police were dispatched to the late report of a stolen vehicle. Upon arrival, it was determined between approximately 10:00 p.m. on June 16 and 6:30 a.m. on June 17, an unknown suspect entered the victim’s home, stole a set of car keys and stole the victim’s vehicle. There were no signs of forced entry to the home. The vehicle is described as a 2018 Silver BMW X6 35i with Virginia license plate JPA4694. There is no suspect(s) description. The investigation is ongoing.

BURGLARY (late), 2022-06200054, 5000 block of 36th Street N. At approximately 5:09 a.m. on June 20, police were dispatched to the late report of stolen vehicles. Upon arrival, it was determined at approximately 3:29 a.m., two unknown suspects made entry into the victim’s home, stole two sets of car keys and stole two vehicles. Personal property, including electronics, cash and credit cards were also reported stolen from the home. There were no signs of forced entry into the home. The vehicles are described as a White 2019 Audi A6 with Virginia license plate XMF9641 and a White 2021 Audi Q7 with Virginia license plate BOGOWP. There are no descriptions for the suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

Last June, ACPD warned residents that it had “seen a rise in home and vehicle thefts that occur overnight when suspects find garage door openers in unlocked cars.” In both of the burglary cases above, police noted that there were no signs of the thieves needing to force entry into the homes.

Last month, meanwhile, police reported several incidents of cars being stolen from North Arlington neighborhoods after being left unlocked with keys inside. The ongoing thefts prompted the police department to continue encouraging residents to practice the “9 p.m. routine” of locking up and removing valuables from plain sight before bed.

“Burglaries and thefts are often crimes of opportunity with thieves taking advantage of unsecured doors and windows to steal items left unattended or out in plain view,” ACPD said.

The latest crime report also included a home break-in in the Bellevue Forest neighborhood, not far from the recent car thefts. However, “nothing of value was taken,” according to police.

BURGLARY (late), 2022-06180148, 3000 block of N. Quincy Street. At approximately 1:30 p.m. on June 18, police were dispatched to the late report of suspicious circumstances. It was determined at approximately 1:30 a.m., an unknown suspect made entry into the victim’s home. It appeared items had been moved but nothing of value was taken. There is no suspect description. The investigation is ongoing.

Covid cases down 40% as Arlington starts offering vax for young children

By ARLnow.com
The COVID-19 vaccine (via Arlington County/YouTube)

Arlington County is starting to vaccinate children ages 6 months to 5 years today, following federal authorization last week.

The new vaccination effort comes as cases have fallen 40% since peaking in late May.

The vaccine shots for young children are currently only being offered by appointment at the county health department’s Sequoia Plaza facility at 2100 Washington Blvd. Vaccine appointments can be booked online, but require registration, the county noted this morning on social media in response to a resident’s question.

The jabs for children 6 months to 5 years old are being offered on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The county is offering both the Pfizer three-dose series and the Moderna two-dose series, County Manager Mark Schwartz said at last night’s County Board meeting.

Schwartz also noted that those who are not online or who need assistance can call 703-228-7999.

“We’re excited to see this milestone,” Board Chair Katie Cristol, herself a mother of a toddler, said of the new vaccine offerings. “Some of us very excited to see this milestone.”

Vaccines are still being offered for older children and adults at the Arlington Mill and Walter Reed community centers, by appointment or walk in. Schwartz said that 89% of all Arlington residents 5 years of age or older have received at least one dose and about 80% are fully vaccinated.

The county, meanwhile, is still seeing falling Covid case rates.

Covid cases in Arlington as of 6/22/22 (via Virginia Dept. of Health)

As of this morning the seven-day moving average in Arlington was 120 daily cases, down 40% from a seasonal peak of 200 on May 25, according to Virginia Dept. of Health data.

The county’s test positivity rate has also fallen, but more modestly, and currently stands at a relatively elevated 14.6%. That’s down from 16% at the beginning of June.

Arlington is also seeing improvement in hospitalization rates, officials say.

“We’re seeing a drop in hospitalizations,” Schwartz told the Board last night. The most recent CDC data puts the local hospitalization rate at 7.2 weekly admissions per 100,000 residents.

JUST IN: Flood and severe thunderstorm watches issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Around Rosslyn before the rain (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 1:40 p.m.) A wet and wild afternoon and evening could be on tap as heavy rain and storms packing strong winds move into the area.

Both a Flood Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch have now been issued for Arlington, D.C. and other parts of the region.

The National Weather Service issued the storm watch around 1:35 p.m. It will remain in effect until 9 p.m.

The Flood Watch for  was issued just after 10 a.m. and is in effect from 3 p.m. to midnight.

From NWS:

1003 AM EDT Wed Jun 22 2022

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, Maryland and Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland,
Carroll, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Howard, Prince Georges and Southern Baltimore. In Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Spotsylvania and Stafford.

* 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…
– Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected later this afternoon into the evening. Given a very warm and moist air mass, these will produce some very heavy rainfall at times. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible within the span of a couple of hours, with locally higher amounts possible.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

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