storm

Flood Watch, Wind Advisory Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County and surrounding areas are under both a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory Thursday, as a front brings heavy rain and strong winds to the region.

About 1-2 inches of rain is expected to fall, potentially causing flooding in low-lying areas and along streams and creeks.

More from the National Weather Service:

…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT… * FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON * RAIN WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT. THE HEAVIEST RAIN IS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING. TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS AROUND 1 INCH ARE EXPECTED, WITH ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS OF 1.5 TO 2 INCHES POSSIBLE. * EXCESS RUNOFF FROM A NEARLY FROZEN GROUND AND SATURATED SOILS WILL CAUSE THE POTENTIAL FOR STREAMS AND CREEKS TO RISE OUT OF THEIR BANKS AS WELL AS POTENTIAL FLOODING IN LOW LYING URBAN AREAS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. 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. &&

In addition to the rain, damaging winds are possible.

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO NOON EST THURSDAY… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO NOON EST THURSDAY. * TIMING…THURSDAY MORNING. * WINDS…SOUTHWEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH. * IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS WILL BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN AND A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 45 TO 55 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. &&

More via social media:

Photo (top) via National Weather Service

Roads Becoming Snow-Covered As Governor Declares State of Emergency

By ARLnow.com
1/7

Few crashes or major problems have been reported on Arlington roads so far today (Saturday), but this weekend’s snowstorm is only getting started.

Many streets around the county are becoming increasingly snow-covered, though traffic is light and many seem to be heeding advice to stay at home rather than go out.

Additionally, a number of events were canceled and some facilities closed early tonight. From Arlington County:

  • DPR league games and activities with start times of 5:30 p.m. or later this evening are cancelled.
  • The Family Skate Night and Teen Night at Thomas Jefferson Community Center are cancelled for this evening.
  • All Community Centers will be closing at 6 p.m. this evening.
  • The Arlington Gymnastics Competition scheduled this evening will proceed until completion.

Arlington is currently under a Winter Storm Warning, with 6-12 inches of snow expected through Sunday evening. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, meanwhile, declared a state of emergency Saturday night.

From a press release:

Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency today in advance of the anticipated effects of winter weather expected this weekend including snow, ice, and high winds throughout much of the Commonwealth. This will likely result in downed trees, power outages, and transportation impacts. The executive order is designed to help Virginia mitigate any damage caused by the winter weather event and to streamline the process that the Commonwealth uses to provide assistance to localities and communities impacted by storm effects.

“I am declaring a state of emergency in order to prepare and coordinate the Commonwealth’s response to anticipated winter storm impacts, including snow and ice accumulations, transportation issues, and power outages,” said Governor Northam. “Virginians should take precautions to stay safe as we begin experiencing winter weather effects.”

Arlington County snow removal crews are currently focusing their efforts on clearing primary roads and secondary arterial streets. After the snow starts tapering off Sunday, those crews will move on to start plowing neighborhood streets.

If more than six inches of snow falls, by county ordinance residents will be expected to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes within 36 hours of the last flakes. If less than six inches fall, that timeframe shortens to 24 hours.

UPDATED: Arlington Preps for Snow as Winter Storm Warning Issued

By ARLnow.com

Update on 1/12/19 — Arlington is now under a Winter Storm Warning.

Earlier: Arlington County is under a Winter Weather Advisory starting Saturday afternoon.

Preparations are underway for the snow — 3-5 inches are expected — with county and VDOT crews pre-treating roads and gearing up for snow removal operations once the flakes start falling. Most of the immediate D.C. area is under the advisory, while points south are under winter storm watches and warnings.

More from the National Weather Service:

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST SUNDAY… * WHAT…SNOW EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES EXPECTED. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PORTIONS CENTRAL AND NORTH CENTRAL MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST SUNDAY. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. EXPECT SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES, AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1. &&

Arlington’s emergency management office sent out an alert Friday afternoon, urging residents to stock necessary items early and prepare for difficult travel.

Do not wait to prepare! Grocery stores are known to run out of key items quickly. Have enough food and water for your entire family, including pets, to last for the weekend. Be prepared in case the power goes out.  Find more preparedness info at ReadyArlington.com.

Winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. For info on the snow removal process, visit the Department of Environmental Services website at https://emergency. arlingtonva.us/weather/snow-ice/snow-removal-phases/.

Login at ArlingtonAlert.com ensure your information in your Arlington Alert profile is correct. For up to date information, follow Ready Arlington on Facebook and Twitter.

As always, only call or text 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. For any non-emergency Police or Fire issues, dial 703-558-2222.

VDOT and other local officials are asking drivers to stay off snow-covered roads if at all possible, limiting trips to essential travel only. From VDOT:

Northern Virginia road crews are preparing for the first snow of 2019. VDOT asks that drivers plan travel around impending weather and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

What’s Happening Now

  • The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the southern and western portions of our district, and a Winter Weather Advisory for the central and northern portions.
  • Crews pretreated roads throughout Northern Virginia on Thursday and Friday.
  • On Saturday afternoon, plow trucks will stage along roadways.
  • Follow us on Twitter @vadotnova for updates from the field.

VDOT Asks Drivers and Residents to:

  • Monitor weather closely, as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.
  • Plan ahead to avoid driving during the storm and after until conditions have improved. Freezing temperatures are expected through the weekend.
  • Park in driveways or on the same side of the street to allow plows room to pass.
  • If you absolutely must drive, know the conditions, drive for the conditions and give plows plenty of room. Ensure enough gas, wiper fluid, proper tires, medication, and an emergency car kit.

More via Twitter:

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

MCM This Weekend — The Marine Corps Marathon is taking place Sunday morning, shutting down a bunch of streets around Arlington. Many of the street closures will be centered around Crystal City, a favorite gathering spot for spectators who root on runners on the final leg of the race, and Rosslyn, which hosts the starting miles of the race and its Finish Festival.

Last Days of Clarendon Grill — Long-time local nightlife spot Clarendon Grill is closing and hosting its final musical performances this weekend. [Twitter]

Candidates Weigh in on LGBT Center — “Wonderful in theory, but perhaps impractical in the current economic environment. That’s the Cliff’s Notes version of the response of the two Arlington County Board candidates to a calls for creation of a local community center specifically geared toward the county’s LGBT community.” [InsideNova]

Big Raise for Arlington Startup — Courthouse-based WireWheel, a data privacy compliance SaaS company, has closed a $10 million Series A round. Total funding raised to date is $13 million. [WireWheel]

Storm Approaches — “Here comes our nor’easter. Rain starts today and it’ll last into early tomorrow. It may amount to nearly two inches in some spots. Our weather turns windy tonight and perhaps much of tomorrow, when we could see some late-day clearing. Luckily for Sunday’s Marine Corps Marathon, shower chances are low.” [Washington Post]

Local GOP Getting Jump on Recruitment — “In recent years, the [GOP] has not only not been competitive in Arlington races, but at the local level often fails to field candidates at all. Presswood, who has been party chairman for almost three years, has worked hard to try and reverse that trend.” [InsideNova]

Photo courtesy John Broehm

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington and surrounding areas are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch tonight (Wednesday).

A line of potentially severe storms is approaching the D.C. region from the west. Forecasters say the storms could bring gusty winds, frequent lighting and hail.

More from the National Weather Service:

Photo (top) via National Weather Service

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Ballston Mall LED Screens Nixed — Developer Forest City is, for now, withdrawing a request to install two large, high-definition LED video screens above the main entrance to its still under-construction Ballston Quarter mall. The screens do not comply with Arlington zoning rules. Attorneys for Forest City say they are still hoping that the County Board will eventually amend the zoning ordinance to allow such screens. [Washington Business Journal]

Free ART Bus Rides Thursday — “Think there’s no such thing as a free ride? Not if you take the bus in Arlington, Virginia, and you’re traveling on Sept. 20. Arlington Transit is letting passengers ride free Sept. 20 as a way to celebrate the transit agency’s 20th anniversary.” [WTOP]

Tax Delinquency List — Arlington County Treasurer Carla de la Pava has released her office’s annual list of residents and businesses that have not paid their taxes. The list includes nearly $200,000 in delinquent real estate taxes, $1.3 million in delinquent personal property taxes, $1 million in delinquent business license and property taxes, and more than $500,000 in delinquent meal (restaurant) taxes. [Arlington County]

Celebrating Community and Elders in Nauck — “Celebrating the lives and achievements of the community’s elders was a centerpiece of the 2018 Nauck Civic & Community Pride Day, which brought food, music and fellowship to Drew Model School on Sept. 15. Four community residents who had reached, or were set to reach, the centennial mark – Elizabeth Cole, Novella Cummings, Mary Lockett and Thelma Russell – were honored by the Nauck Civic Association.” [InsideNova]

Critic Praises Shirlington’s Signature — “The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre — the Arlington troupe known for musicals — shapes up as my favorite D.C. company. I’m not saying Signature is hands-down the best theater in Washington… But Signature showcases a lot of assets, from its singular glam factor to plain old ease of use.” [Washington Post]

Late Night Storms — Thunderstorms that rumbled through Arlington around midnight last night brought a period of frequent lightning and thunder that set off car alarms and awakened some residents from their sleep. [Twitter, Twitter]

Flickr pool photo by Tom Mockler

‘Tree-mergency’ Closes Madison Manor Park Playground

By Alex Koma

A perilously perched tree has prompted the temporary closure of a playground near East Falls Church.

The severe rain storms of the last few days has caused a “tree-mergency” in Madison Manor Park (6225 12th Street N.).

Susan Kalish, a spokeswoman for the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation, says the rain managed to so thoroughly soak the ground at the park that the tree eventually tipped over. She says workers will be removing it “first thing” tomorrow morning (Thursday).

“After they have finished, parks crew will clean up any mess and refasten a section of fence that has been removed,” Kalish wrote in an email. “None of the play equipment has been damaged. One section of the perimeter timber has been dislodged by the tree’s roots and will have to be repaired once the tree is removed.”

Kalish said the county hopes to reopen the playground by “close of business tomorrow,” or Friday morning at the latest.

Parks and recreation workers plan to announce exactly when it will re-open on the department’s Twitter account.

Photo via @arlparksrec

UPDATED: Flood Warning Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Update at 5:15 p.m. — As heavy rain continues to fall, high water has been reported on a number of roads, including: along Route 50; on Route 110 below Memorial Drive; at the intersections of Lorcom Lane and Lee Highway; Old Dominion Drive and N. Thomas Street; and at the intersection of N. Quantico Street and 26th Street N.

Update at 4:45 p.m. — The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Arlington and surrounding areas.

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Flood Warning for… The District of Columbia… Southeastern Montgomery County in central Maryland… Central Prince Georges County in central Maryland… The City of Fairfax in northern Virginia… Arlington County in northern Virginia… The City of Falls Church in northern Virginia… Central Fairfax County in northern Virginia… Northeastern Prince William County in northern Virginia… The City of Alexandria in northern Virginia…

* Until 1045 PM EDT Tuesday.

* At 443 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing  heavy rain which will cause flooding. A quick inch or two of rain  will be possible on saturated ground.

* Some locations that may experience flooding include… Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Annandale, Clinton, Springfield, College Park, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, Fairfax, Langley Park, Beltsville, Fort Hunt, Vienna, Groveton, Forestville, Falls Church, Huntington, Largo and Coral Hills.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.

Earlier: Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 9 p.m. tonight (Tuesday).

As of 4:15 p.m. a line of storms was heading toward the county from the northwest, bringing with it heavy rain and lightning.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning as strong storms approach.

The National Weather Service issued the warning just before 8:35 p.m. It is in effect, at least initially, through 9:15 p.m.

More from NWS:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A * SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING… * UNTIL 915 PM EDT. * AT 834 PM EDT, A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED OVER LAKE BARCROFT, OR OVER FALLS CHURCH, MOVING EAST AT 30 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, BETHESDA, ANNANDALE, CLINTON, SPRINGFIELD, COLLEGE PARK, FORT WASHINGTON, GREENBELT, FAIRFAX, LANGLEY PARK, BELTSVILLE, VIENNA, GROVETON, FORESTVILLE, FALLS CHURCH, HUNTINGTON, LARGO, CORAL HILLS AND BLADENSBURG.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… GET INDOORS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM WIND AND LIGHTNING. TREES AROUND YOU MAY BE DOWNED FROM DAMAGING WINDS, SO IF YOU ARE NEAR LARGE TREES, MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR. DON’T DRIVE UNDERNEATH TREES OR IN WOODED AREAS UNTIL THE THREAT HAS PASSED. && HAIL…1.00IN WIND…60MPH

UPDATED: Severe Storms Bring Wind, Torrential Rain to Arlington.

By ARLnow.com

Update at 7:45 p.m. — There have been reports of downed trees, branches and power lines in Arlington, but no major power outages have been reported by Dominion. Flights are Reagan National Airport are resuming.

No major flooding issues have been reported, though ARLnow.com’s office sprung a leak during the storm.

Update at 7:01 p.m. — The Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been extended until 7:30 p.m.

Update at 6:58 p.m. — A Flash Flood Warning has also been issued for Arlington.

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for…
The District of Columbia…
South central Montgomery County in central Maryland…
Arlington County in northern Virginia…
The City of Falls Church in northern Virginia…
Northeastern Fairfax County in northern Virginia…
The City of Alexandria in northern Virginia…

* Until 1000 PM EDT.

* At 654 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain across the area. Around an inch of rain has fallen, and
an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is possible over the next 1
to 2 hours leading to flash flooding in the metro area.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.

(Updated at 6:55 p.m.) The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Arlington as a powerful line of storms rolls through the county.

More from the National Weather Service:

…A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM EDT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA…SOUTHERN MONTGOMERY…NORTHWESTERN PRINCE GEORGES…SOUTHEASTERN LOUDOUN…FAIRFAX…EAST CENTRAL FAUQUIER…PRINCE WILLIAM…AND ARLINGTON COUNTIES…THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH…THE CITY OF MANASSAS PARK…THE CITY OF MANASSAS…THE CITY OF FAIRFAX AND THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA…

At 646 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Bethesda to Newington to 11 miles east of Bealeton, moving southeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD…70 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, Germantown, Centreville, Dale City, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Reston, Annandale, Springfield, College Park, South Riding, Fort Washington, Herndon, Greenbelt, Fairfax, Langley Park, Fort Hunt and Vienna.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Prepare immediately for large hail and damaging winds. People outside should move to a shelter, inside a strong building and away from windows.

Reagan National Airport, meanwhile, has imposed a ground stop on flights due to the severe weather.

Photo (top) courtesy Milan

UPDATE: Derecho Possible Tonight, Forecasters Say

By ARLnow.com

Update at 2:25 p.m. — Forecasters warn that a derecho is possible tonight. The last such wind event to hit the region caused significant damage on June 29, 2012.

Earlier: Arlington County and much of the D.C. region is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch today.

The National Weather Service says severe storms are possible later today (Monday)

“Scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and large hail are possible this afternoon and evening,” NWS said in a Hazardous Weather Outlook statement.

Photo via @NWS_BaltWash

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