Weather

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Twilight Tattoo Performance Relocated Due to Rain

By ARLnow.com

Due to the chance of rain showers and thunderstorms this evening, tonight’s Twilight Tattoo performance at Ft. Myer has been moved to an indoor venue.

From the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall public affairs office:

Due to impending inclement weather tonight’s Twilight Tattoo will no longer take place on Summerall Field. It is now scheduled to be inside Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. Unfortunately Conmy Hall only seats approximately 1,000 patrons and admission will be granted on a first-requested, first-seated basis. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington Public Affairs Office will contact groups that have requested admission to inform them of their status. We apologize for the inconvenience.

For more information call 202-685-2888.

Pentagon Row Skating Rink Still Open, Will Close Sunday

By ARLnow.com

Outdoor ice skating may not be the most popular recreation activity in 70 to 80 degree sunny weather, but the Pentagon Row ice rink is still open for business should anybody want to try their luck on the wet ice.

The rink had a thin layer of water on top of it when we stopped by around lunchtime today. No one was skating, but plenty of people were eating their lunch outside around the plaza.

The skating rink will remain open despite the warm weather, we’re told. The last scheduled day of skating for the season is Sunday, March 18.

Pollen Spike Causing Allergy Misery

By Katie Pyzyk

Although most people throughout Arlington seem to be enjoying the warmer weather, not everyone is happy with it. Allergy sufferers are getting bombarded with a spike in pollen thanks to some early blooms.

The tree pollen level shot up to high today due to the warm and windy conditions.

Local doctors say typically the first couple weeks of April mark the start of heavy allergy season. That increases throughout the month as more trees release pollen spores, which can be seen blanketing the area.

This year, allergy sufferers have already been reporting symptoms for weeks, thanks to a mild winter. In fact, the Capital Weather Gang reports this has been the third warmest meteorological winter on record for the region.

Don’t worry, there is relief in sight. Lower temperatures and expected showers should push pollen back into the moderate level tomorrow.

Until then, here are some tips for lessening allergy suffering:

  • Keep windows closed at home and in the car. Use the air conditioner if necessary, and be sure to change air filters.
  • Stay inside on windy days.
  • Avoid outdoor activity in the morning when pollen counts are highest, usually from 5:00-10:00 a.m.
  • Change clothes after being outside. Take a shower to wash off pollen spores, especially before going to bed.
  • Use a machine to dry laundry instead of hanging it outside.

Photos: Signs of Spring Around Arlington

By ARLnow.com

One could hardly have asked for a more beautiful start to March.

As the thermometer hit 70 degrees today — the first day of meteorological spring — trees, flowers and other plants were starting to bloom. From Shirlington to Ballston, from Waverly Hills to the Custis Trail, the colors of spring are beginning to emerge.

It’s no surprise that the blooms are getting an early start. According to the Capital Weather Gang, this year’s meteorological winter was the third warmest on record in D.C.

The official start of spring — the Vernal Equinox — is March 20. The peak bloom for D.C.’s cherry blossom trees, meanwhile, is now predicted for March 24.

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Arlington Filling More Potholes Than Last Winter

By ARLnow.com

Thanks to the mild winter, the District of Columbia has reported a 22 percent drop in the number of complaints about potholes. After all, the warmer weather isn’t as conducive to pothole formation. Across the Potomac, however, Arlington’s pothole repairs crews have been busy.

Since the start of November, Arlington County has filled 2,184 potholes. That compares to 1,174 potholes filled by this time last year — an 86 percent increase. Why so many?

Department of Environmental Services spokeswoman Shannon Whalen McDaniel says the weather has allowed crews to get a head start on pothole repairs.

“The warmer weather has enabled crews to get out more frequently to repair the roads,” Whalen McDaniel said. “It’s helped us to get a jump start on the official pothole season that starts in early March.”

Residents can report potholes on the pothole page of the county’s website.

Another Rainy Accident on SB I-395

By ARLnow.com

 

Update at 11:20 a.m. — Another accident, involving at least two vehicles, is currently blocking two lefthand lanes of SB I-395 in the vicinity of the first accident.

The bend in I-395 near Washington Boulevard has claimed yet another rainy weather victim.

An accident occurred this morning on southbound I-395 just past the Arlington Ridge Road overpass. The same stretch of southbound I-395 has been the scene of numerous rainy day accidents.

The car’s driver was evaluated for possible injuries, but initial reports suggest the injuries were minor and didn’t require transport to the hospital. Police and a flatbed tow truck are currently on scene.

Wind Advisory Issued for Region

By ARLnow.com

Get ready for some breezy weather tonight. The National Weather Service is predicting 20 to 30 mph sustained winds, with gusts up to 55 mph, starting late this afternoon.

The winds carry the possibility of blowing debris and downed power lines, among other hazards. From Arlington Alerts:

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Arlington County and other jurisdictions within the National Capital Region from 3 pm, Friday, February 24th, until midnight tonight. The strongest winds are expected to occur late this afternoon thru this evening with gusts up to 55 MPH. Winds this strong may make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution

County Prepping for Possible Snow on Sunday

By Katie Pyzyk

(Updated at 2:05 p.m.) Here we go again. Right in the midst of a stretch of mild weather, we’re bracing for the possibility of snow this weekend.

Forecasters have been predicting some sort of precipitation on Sunday, but it’s unclear whether it will be mainly snow or rain. As is often the case in our area, weather models are changing by the hour. Don’t get your hopes up for a repeat of the Presidents Day Blizzard of 2003 — but do plan on the chance of the season’s most significant snowfall.

In advance of the possible storm, the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services has issued a Phase 1 Alert, meaning crews will pre-treat roads with salt or brine as necessary. They’re also preparing snow removal equipment and personnel for the weekend.

Dominion Virginia Power also reports making preparations. Trucks are being stocked and fueled, and crews are ready to respond to outages. Customers can call 1-866-DOM-HELP to report outages and downed lines.

County Road Crews Prepare for Snowy Commute

By ARLnow.com

With snow expected during tonight’s evening commute, Arlington County road crews have been placed on alert and are poised to treat roads when the white stuff starts falling.

Crews are also pre-treating roads with salt and brine this afternoon in preparation for the winter weather, according to the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services.

The Office of Personnel Management announced this morning that federal employees may use unscheduled leave to go home early today, if desired.

File photo

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