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Nighttime storm potential prompts Flood Watch

By ARLnow.com
Storms bring heavy rain, wind and flooding at night (file photo)

The possibility of a succession of storms tonight packing heavy rain has prompted a Flood Watch from the National Weather Service.

The watch is in effect until 4 a.m. for Arlington, the District and much of the Washington region. Forecasters say flash flooding may occur during prolonged downpours.

More from NWS:

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EDT SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. […]

* WHEN…Until 4 AM EDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– A seasonably moist airmass with ample moisture content ahead of an approaching frontal boundary will result in numerous showers and thunderstorms. These showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall with totals on the order of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts where thunderstorms may train. These totals may result in flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and those that have observed recent heavy rainfall.

JUST IN: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for portion of Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Updated at 6:35 p.m. — The Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been extended to southern portions of the county.

Earlier: A northern section of Arlington may get brushed by an intense thunderstorm.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for part of Arlington as a storm approaches from the northwest.

More from the National Weather Service:

BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
538 PM EDT FRI JUL 14 2023

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING […]

* UNTIL 630 PM EDT.

* AT 538 PM EDT, A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED OVER AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE, MOVING EAST AT 35 MPH.

HAZARD…60 MPH WIND GUSTS AND QUARTER SIZE HAIL.

SOURCE…RADAR INDICATED.

IMPACT…DAMAGING WINDS WILL CAUSE SOME TREES AND LARGE BRANCHES TO FALL. 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.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE… ARLINGTON, ROCKVILLE, BETHESDA, BOWIE, OLNEY, COLLEGE PARK, GREENBELT, LANGLEY PARK, BELTSVILLE, FORESTVILLE, FALLS CHURCH, LARGO, CORAL HILLS, BLADENSBURG, PIMMIT HILLS, MCLEAN, FEDEX FIELD, FORT TOTTEN, ROSSLYN AND UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A BUILDING.

LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS AND CONTINUOUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM. MOVE INDOORS IMMEDIATELY. LIGHTNING IS ONE OF NATURE’S LEADING KILLERS. REMEMBER, IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER, YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

TORRENTIAL RAINFALL IS OCCURRING WITH THIS STORM, AND MAY LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH FLOODED ROADWAYS.

UPDATED: Arlington now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Flood Watch

By ARLnow.com
Storm clouds moving over Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Update at 1:20 p.m. on 7/9/23 — Arlington County and surrounding areas are now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in addition to the Flood Watch. Damaging wind and hail are possible from the storms, forecasters say.

Earlier: More slow-moving downpours are expected later in the day on Sunday, prompting a Flood Watch.

The new alert from the National Weather Service comes a day after one such storm drenched much of Arlington County, leading to a Flash Flood Warning as well as water rescues near Pentagon City.

The Flood Watch is in effect from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday for Arlington, D.C. and much of the region.

More from NWS:

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Frederick MD, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford, Southern Baltimore and St. Marys. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Northern Fauquier, Northwest Prince William, Southern Fauquier, Stafford and Western Loudoun.

* WHEN…From Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…

– Slow moving thunderstorms capable of producing very heavy rainfall are expected across the watch area Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. A widespread 1 to 2 inches of rainfall is expected across the watch area, with isolated totals in excess of 4 inches possible. This heavy rainfall may lead to rapid rises of water on creeks, streams, urban and poor drainage areas, and in other flood-prone locations.

– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

UPDATED: Flash Flood Warning issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
1/4

Update at 1:35 p.m. — A water rescue is underway in the Pentagon City area after high water stranded multiple people in vehicles.

Update at 1 p.m. — A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for a large portion of Arlington. A near-stationary storm is inundating south and central parts of the county, causing flooding.

From the National Weather Service:

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for… Southeastern Arlington County in northern Virginia…

* Until 400 PM EDT.

* At 1254 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD…Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE…Radar.
IMPACT…Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include…

Arlington… Crystal City… Reagan National Airport… Ballston… Barcroft…

Earlier: Arlington and much of the D.C. area is now under a Flood Watch.

Slow-moving storms might dump lots of rain in short order this afternoon and evening, causing flooding, forecasters say.

More from the National Weather Service:

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. […]

* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– A couple rounds of slow-moving showers and thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into this evening. A few inches of rain is possible in a short amount of time as a result, and may cause rapid rises of water on creeks, streams, urban and poor drainage areas, and in other flood-prone locations.
– Please visit weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Arlington, D.C. area

By ARLnow.com
Storm clouds moving in over Westover (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Arlington and the D.C. area are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch Monday afternoon and evening.

The watch is in effect until 10 p.m.

From the National Weather Service: “A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10pm. Scattered severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible through this evening. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. There is also an isolated threat for flash flooding during this time.”

 

Code Orange alert for Friday as Arlington’s air quality remains at ‘unhealthy’ levels

By ARLnow.com
Arlington’s air quality index as of 4 p.m. Thursday (via AirNow.gov)

It’s been another smoky day in Arlington, and the air quality is still considered “unhealthy” as the workday nears a close.

The Air Quality Index registered at 177 as of 4 p.m. Thursday, solidly in the “Code Red” level.

Tomorrow is expected to also be hazy, but somewhat improved, with a Code Orange alert issued minutes ago.

More, below, from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: Friday, June 30. Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with heart or lung disease. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada will contribute to the increased levels of fine particle pollution.

COG advises the following health precautions:

  • Sensitive groups like people with heart or lung disease like asthma or emphysema, older adults, and children should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense and watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG’s website or the Clean Air Partners website.

On unhealthy air days, COG advises the following actions to improve the air:

  • Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
  • Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
  • Fill your vehicles’ gas tank after sunset.
  • Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
  • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

COG provides air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions for metropolitan Washington. It also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Canadian wildfire smoke returns, leading to another air quality alert

By ARLnow.com
Haze from Canadian wildfires as seen over Pentagon City earlier this month (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The bulk of today’s storms are moving out — and more Canadian wildfire smoke is about to move in.

The smoke that enveloped Chicago and much of the Midwest today is set to push east toward our region. That has prompted a Code Orange air quality alert for the D.C. area tomorrow (Wednesday).

Code Orange indicates that time spent outdoors could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, but it’s not as bad as earlier this month when the air quality measurement for Arlington hit Code Maroon, the worst and most hazardous level.

More from a Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments press release, below.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has forecast a Code Orange air day for the metropolitan Washington region tomorrow: Wednesday, June 28. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada will contribute to the increased levels of fine particle pollution. The Code Orange levels mean the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups, including older adults, children, and people with heart or lung disease.

On unhealthy air days, COG advises the following health precautions:

  • Children and older adults should reduce outdoor activities.
  • Individuals with respiratory and heart ailments, emphysema, asthma, or chronic bronchitis should limit their activity level. If breathing becomes difficult, move indoors.
  • Healthy individuals should limit strenuous work or exercise, especially outdoors.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COG’s website or by downloading a free air quality app from Clean Air Partners.

COG provides air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions for metropolitan Washington. It also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

JUST IN: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Storm at 2:15 p.m. on 6/27/23

Update at 3:10 p.m. — So far, only 86 Dominion customers are reported to be without power in Arlington, compared with nearly 2,800 in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax.

Update at 2:45 p.m. — A particularly intense portion of the storm is over Rosslyn, according to the National Weather Service. Additionally, a tree has been reported down on power lines on the 600 block of N. Kenmore Street in Ashton Heights.

At 240 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over American University, or over Rosslyn, moving east at 25 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and nickel size hail.
SOURCE…Broadcast media. At 2:25pm a downed tree was reported in Tysons.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. 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.

Earlier: All of Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

A strong storm is currently approaching from the west, packing damaging winds and hail. Most of D.C. is included in the warning, which is in effect until 3 p.m.

More from the National Weather Service:

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning…

* Until 300 PM EDT.

* At 209 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Oakton, or over Vienna, moving east at 25 mph.

HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. 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.

* Locations impacted include…

Arlington, Alexandria, Centreville, Rockville, Bethesda, Reston, Annandale, Clinton, Springfield, Fort Washington, Herndon, Fairfax, Langley Park, Fort Hunt, Vienna, Groveton, Falls Church, Huntington, Mantua and Fort Belvoir.

HAIL THREAT…RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE…1.00 IN
WIND THREAT…RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST…60 MPH

NEW: Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Lightning over Langston Blvd and Metro 29 Diner (file photo)

Arlington County and the rest of the D.C. region are now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

The watch is in effect until 9 p.m.

Severe storms packing damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible this afternoon and evening, forecasters say. There’s also a threat of flash flooding and a brief tornado.

More from the National Weather Service:

VDOT, meanwhile, says its crews are preparing for the worst.

Earlier today much of the state — including Richmond, Virginia Beach and most of Northern Virginia — were placed under an “enhanced” threat of severe weather by the NWS Storm Prediction Center. That designation is usually only issued once or twice per year for our area.

More, below, from VDOT.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is prepared to address the potential impacts of the forecasted severe weather expected this afternoon and into the evening.

At this time, forecasts indicate that heavy rain and wind gusts will arrive in the Commonwealth between 2 p.m. in western portions of Virginia to midnight in the eastern areas, with regions east of Interstate 81 experiencing the worst conditions. Severe weather threats along and east of the I-95 Corridor could include wind gusts up to 75 mph, large hail and possible isolated tornadoes. The safety of the traveling public and our crews is VDOT’s top priority. As forecasts and conditions could change, travelers should pay close attention to local weather reports and announcements from officials and limit their travels based on conditions.

The weather impacts may cause downed trees, power lines and other debris, as well as flooding that will make roadways extremely hazardous or impassable. Stay away from downed wires and do not approach or touch trees or limbs that are entangled with wires as they could be extremely dangerous. If those are in state maintained roadways, VDOT crews will await the power company to remove any electrical hazard before addressing downed trees or other roadway debris.

“Whenever severe weather is expected, we partner with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Virginia State Police to coordinate efforts,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen C. Brich, P.E. “Teams throughout the Commonwealth are prepared to address impacts from this storm. We ask for the public’s assistance to remain safe and stay aware of changing weather and road conditions in their area and along their travel routes.”

Travelers should use extreme caution on roadways:

  • Obey all “road closed” signage.
  • “Turn around, don’t drown” – Do not attempt to travel through flooded roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the primary causes of flood-related deaths occur to individuals driving into or walking in or near flood waters.
    • 6 inches of flood water is enough to knock an adult off of their feet
    • 12 inches can move most cars
    • 18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks
  • Be alert to debris, downed trees and power lines
  • Move over for emergency crews operating in or near roadways.
  • Be alert to High Wind Advisories, especially on bridges or taller structures. High-profile vehicles such as tractor trailers, SUVs or box trucks are especially vulnerable and should not cross a bridge when a High Wind Advisory is posted.

Prior to travel, the public should check road conditions by calling 511, visiting www.511Virginia.org or checking the 511 Virginia mobile app.

NEW: Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com
Weather radar as of 4:30 p.m. amid Severe Thunderstorm Watch

Arlington is under one of the few Severe Thunderstorm Watches so far this year.

The watch was just expanded into Arlington and also covers D.C., Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax County.

More from the National Weather Service:

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for portions of northern VA, southern MD and DC metropolitan areas and adjacent marine waters until 9 PM.

Already, one severe storm out in Loudoun County is currently heading in the general direction of Arlington County.

DEVELOPING: Arlington air quality now at ‘hazardous’ level

By ARLnow.com
The Washington Monument in the haze, as seen from a Pentagon City apartment building Thursday morning (via WeatherBug)

The air quality in Arlington has reached the worst level on the scale — “hazardous.”

As of 9 a.m. the federal government website AirNow says Arlington’s AQI, or air quality index, is 313. That puts the county in “Code Maroon” territory, two levels above the more commonly known Code Red.

“Everyone should stay indoors and reduce activity levels,” the website says. Anyone who must be outside today is being encouraged to wear a high quality mask.

Arlington Public Schools, the county parks department and the Arlington Soccer Association — among others — have cancelled all outdoor activities Thursday. Meanwhile, the FAA says that air traffic at D.C. airports may be impacted by the low visibility.

Cameras in Pentagon City show D.C. barely visible through the haze this morning. A rancid campfire-like smell is pervasive throughout the area.

Despite the apocalyptic scene outside this morning, the good news is that some relief is on the way. The National Weather Service says a front is expected to enter the area tomorrow, clearing out some of the smoke.

Tomorrow the air quality for the D.C. region is expected to largely be at “Code Orange” levels, with an average AQI just above 100.

Air quality reading for Arlington as of 9 a.m. Thursday (via airnow.gov)

Update at 10:20 a.m. — The National Weather Service just issued the following Special Weather Statement, suggesting that even thicker smoke may be on the way, before conditions gradually improve.

…POOR AIR QUALITY IN THE MID-ATLANTIC THROUGH FRIDAY DUE TO CANADIAN WILDFIRES…

Due to Canadian wildfires, smoke is prevalent in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the greater Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. Under northerly winds, smoke will continue to be pushed south over our area. Thicker smoke will continue to overspread portions of the area, resulting in poor air quality and visibility potentially less than 1 mile. Some improvement is likely through the day, but the smoke likely will continue to affect the area at times until a front on Friday potentially brings some reprieve to fine particle concentrations.

Depending on your location, Air Quality will vary, with much of the area either Code Orange or Code Red through the day today. There is a Code Purple Air Quality Alert for the District of Columbia.

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, pregnant people, and those that spend a lot of time outdoors.

Some areas may see Code Red, which means “unhealthy for the general population.” If you are under a Code Red Air Quality Alert, everyone should keep outdoor activities light and short. For those people in sensitive groups, consider moving all activities indoors.

A Code Purple Air Quality Alert means that everyone may experience more serious heath effects and should avoid outdoor activities, especially individuals with heart and breathing ailments, children, and older adults.

The effects of air pollution on people can be minimized by avoiding strenuous outdoor activity or exercising indoors. Go indoors if you have symptoms.

Update at 11 a.m. — This is now officially the first Code Purple air quality day for fine particle pollution, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has issued a Code Purple Air Quality Health Advisory for the metropolitan Washington region. Current air quality conditions have reached Code Purple, very unhealthy levels for everyone, for fine particle pollution due to ongoing smoke from fires in Canada. The air quality forecast for June 8 has been updated to Code Purple.

COG shares the following health precautions from EPA:

  • Sensitive groups (including children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease): Avoid all physical activity outdoors. Reschedule to a time when air quality is better or move activities indoors.*
  • Everyone else: Avoid long or intense activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.*

The D.C. region has not previously recorded a Code Purple day for fine particle pollution. In 2012, the region recorded two days for ozone pollution that would qualify as Code Purple by the current 2015 standards.

Photo via WeatherBug

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