Lightning over Cherrydale last night (photo courtesy Kennedy Combs)
‘Missing Middle’ Fight Heats Up — “The topic of housing wasn’t even on the agenda for lawmakers in Arlington County, but residents streamed into one recent meeting with a sea of posters to express their dueling views on the issue… That raucous meeting offered a taste of what promises to be one of the most contentious political battles in recent memory in Arlington: a proposal to legalize ‘missing middle’ housing — from townhouses to duplexes to eight-unit buildings — that many are treating as an existential debate over the future of this affluent, deep-blue Northern Virginia suburb.” [Washington Post]
Arlington Has Priciest Local Rent — New data shows that the average rent for one-bedroom apartments in Arlington is the highest in the region, after rising 5% month over month to $2,310/mo. [Zumper]
Video: A Ride in the Rain — Updated at 9:20 a.m. — “Was just past the White House on Constitution Ave heading… towards Arlington when I got pummeled by rain.” [YouTube]
Videos: Stormy Evening — Videos posted to Twitter show the strong wind and the spectacular lightning from yesterday evening’s storm. [Twitter, Twitter]
It’s Wednesday — Humid and partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 87 and low of 74. Sunrise at 5:55 am and sunset at 8:35 pm. [Weather.gov]
BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
538 PM EDT TUE JUL 12 2022
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING…
* UNTIL 615 PM EDT.
* AT 537 PM EDT, SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM NEAR NORTH POTOMAC TO NEAR LINTON HALL, 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, CENTREVILLE, DALE CITY, ROCKVILLE, BETHESDA, RESTON, ANNANDALE, SPRINGFIELD, COLLEGE PARK, FORT WASHINGTON, GREENBELT, FAIRFAX, LANGLEY PARK, BELTSVILLE, FORT HUNT, VIENNA, GROVETON, FALLS CHURCH AND HUNTINGTON.
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 THESE STORMS. 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.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA and Alexandria VA until 6:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/F4fFgdx9hK
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 12, 2022
Trees damaged by storm along Military Road at 38th Street N. (photos courtesy Marcia Nordgren)
Saturday night’s severe storms caused significant tree damage in parts of northern Arlington.
The southern reaches of the storms that flooded portions of D.C. and suburban Maryland also packed a punch in Arlington, ripping through the northern corner of the county with heavy rain and high winds. Other parts of Arlington only received moderate rainfall.
“Large trees were blown down along George Washington Parkway at Spout Run Parkway, some up to 4 feet in diameter and up to 50 feet tall,” the National Weather Service noted in a damage report. “Several trees blew down near the intersection of VA-120 North Glebe Road and Military Road.”
The tree damage along Glebe shut down lanes between Military Road and Chain Bridge for several hours that night and again on the morning of July 4.
LOCATION: N Glebe Rd/Military Rd INCIDENT: Trees Down IMPACT: All SB lanes of N Glebe Rd at Military Rd are blocked due to trees down in the area. The lanes will remain blocked until further notice. Seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/4qsYDAhqtF
A reader also reported tree damage near the corner of Military Road and 38th Street N.
“I heard what sounded like a jet engine speeding up, then came an acceleration of tremendous wind and rain,” Marcia Nordgren told ARLnow. “I had zero visibility. Then my trees and branches came down. It appears that they twisted.”
Nordgren said she thought it might have been a tornado that came through, but there was no tornado observed on weather radar — which would have prompted a Tornado Warning — and the National Weather Service tells ARLnow that it is not planning to send a storm survey team to Arlington to investigate the damage.
Meanwhile, the area is set for another series of active weather days between today and Thursday. This afternoon and evening scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are expected in the D.C. region, NWS says.
With an anticipated significant weather system rolling into the region today, make sure you follow @ReadyArlington for important information as well as tips to prepare. As always, we will be here 24/7/365 to respond to any emergencies, no matter the weather. https://t.co/auvWh51w7g
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 5, 2022
Storm clouds roll in behind a construction crane near Clarendon (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington and much of the D.C. area is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
The watch is in effect until 7 p.m.
“Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible late this afternoon and early evening,” the National Weather Service says. “Thunderstorms may produce gusty winds and hail.”
Parkour in Gateway Park in Rosslyn before the rain (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Beyer Wins 8th District Nomination — Updated at 9:50 a.m. — “Rep. Don Beyer, a Democrat, has fended off a primary challenge from Victoria Virasingh in the 8th Congressional District. Beyer will face Republican Karina Lipsman, who won a Republican convention last month… With 177 precincts of 182 reporting, Beyer leads, 77.82% to 22.18%.” [WTOP, Fox 5]
Statement from Beyer — “I am grateful to voters in Northern Virginia for again making me their Democratic nominee to represent Virginia’s 8th District… This is a challenging moment for the Democratic Party, and I look forward to throwing myself into that fight and making the case for equality, shared prosperity, and progress.” [Twitter]
Singing Challenger’s Praises — From Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti: “Thank you to @Victoria4VA for running and raising important issues in our community. It’s never easy to step into the arena and, win or lose, we should all be grateful to those who do. I am sure we have not heard the last of Victoria!” [Twitter]
Man Drowns in Four Mile Run — “No foul play is suspected in the drowning death of a 52-year-old man in Four Mile Run, according to Alexandria Police. Police were called around 2 p.m. on Monday, June 20. Rescuers found the man in the stream near the 3900 block of Richmond Highway.” [ALXnow]
Neighbors Want Public Garage — “County, regional and state officials descended on Shirlington Road on June 15, ceremonially kicking off construction of a much-awaited and oft-debated maintenance facility for the Arlington Transit (ART) bus fleet… But the proposal still calls for using a parking garage on the parcel exclusively for staff use. ‘Given local parking challenges, a little creative thinking would open sections of the garage for public use, too,’ Stombler said.” [Sun Gazette]
Acquisition for Arlington Company — “Leonardo DRS Inc., the Arlington subsidiary of Italian defense and space contractor Leonardo SpA, said Tuesday it has agreed to merge with Israel’s Rada Electronic Industries Ltd. in an all-stock deal that will create a new public company.” [Washington Business Journal]
Storms Possible Today — From the Capital Weather Gang: “Heads-up for Wednesday afternoon + evening: HEAVY RAIN threat for parts of region and possibility of flooding. * Storms — possibly numerous — between 3 and 10p * It won’t rain the whole time but some areas could see multiple bouts of heavy rain — evening may be busiest.” [Twitter]
It’s Wednesday — Rain and storms in the evening and overnight. High of 86 and low of 69. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:39 pm. [Weather.gov]
Storm clouds forming, as seen in Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington County is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
Forecasters say strong storms are possible tonight (Thursday), with damaging winds and maybe even an isolated tornado.
The watch was issued at 3:30 p.m. and is in effect until midnight.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for portions of MD, VA, WV, and the District of Columbia until 12:00 AM 06/17/2022. pic.twitter.com/DEkTJmhf8F
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) June 16, 2022
Here's an updated look at the severe weather threat for this afternoon and this evening. Coverage of thunderstorms is increasing as we head into the afternoon hours. Damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes remain possible. pic.twitter.com/xNw7MW2hFl
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) June 16, 2022
Flowers along S. Joyce Street in Pentagon City flutter in the breeze as storm clouds move into the region in June 2021 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
Update at 3:15 p.m. — A Flood Watch has also been issued, through 8 p.m.
“Training storms capable of producing 2 to 3 inches per hour may lead to an increased threat for flash flooding over the more urban areas along the I-95 corridor,” the National Weather Service says. “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.”
Earlier: Arlington and the entire D.C. area are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch this afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service issued the watch just before 2 p.m. It will remain in effect until 9 p.m.
“Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and large hail will be possible this afternoon and evening,” the weather service said, noting that wind gusts up to 65 mph are likely.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of DE, DC, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV until 9 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/MjxFniPn83
— NWS Severe Tstorm (@NWSSevereTstorm) June 2, 2022
BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1147 AM EDT Fri May 27 2022
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning …
* Until 1230 PM EDT.
* At 1146 AM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Lansdowne to near Chantilly to near Lake Ridge, moving northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
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, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Reston, Annandale, Clinton, Olney, Springfield, College Park, South Riding, Fort Washington, Herndon, Greenbelt, Fairfax, Langley Park and Beltsville.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 200 PM EDT for District of Columbia…central Maryland…and northern Virginia.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 200 PM EDT for District of Columbia…central Maryland…and northern Virginia.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA and Alexandria VA until 12:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/K1yoQRqQyn
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) May 27, 2022
Storm clouds seen from the Air Force Memorial on Sept. 3, 2020 (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Arlington and much of the D.C. area is under both a Tornado Watch and a Flood Watch today.
Strong storms with damaging wind, large hail and torrential downpours are possible today, forecasters say.
“A Tornado Watch is in effect for much of the area until 2pm this afternoon,” the National Weather Service says. “In addition to the threat for tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and large hail will also be possible.”
While the tornado risk will end mid-afternoon, forecasters suggest, the flood risk will run well into the evening, with the watch set to expire at 11 p.m.
More from NWS:
433 AM EDT Fri May 27 2022
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. […]
* WHEN…From 11 AM EDT this morning through this evening.
* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are likely starting this morning and continuing through this evening. Locations could receive 1 to 2 inches of rain in a short period of time. Localized rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, though locations that experience multiple rounds of thunderstorms could exceed 3 inches.
– Please visit http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood for safety information.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
Stay weather aware today! Severe thunderstorms possible with the potential for damaging wind gusts, a couple tornadoes, large hail and flash flooding. Multiple rounds of storms are expected. The greatest risk will be this afternoon/evening. Latest: https://t.co/5RyZgoXicjpic.twitter.com/9IETnnSN8N
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) May 27, 2022
A Tornado Watch has been issued for parts of District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia until 2 PM EDT. pic.twitter.com/OG1C3MbdvG
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) May 27, 2022
Power outages as of 9:30 a.m. Monday (via Dominion)
Power outages as of 9:30 a.m. Monday (via Dominion)
Power outages as of 9:30 a.m. Monday (via Dominion)
Power lines down in the Claremont neighborhood after storms Sunday (photo courtesy Douglas Spoerl)
Update at 6:05 p.m. — The number of outages in Arlington is now down to just 67, according to Dominion.
Earlier: More than 2,000 Dominion customers are still without power after two strong storms knocked down trees and power lines Sunday.
As of 9:45 a.m. the utility company reported 2,084 customers in the dark, down from 8,295 outages immediately following the second of yesterday’s storms.
The outages are scattered across the county but mostly in south Arlington. Among the largest of the remaining outages are in the Aurora Highlands and Columbia Forest neighborhoods.
Dominion’s power outage map currently lists the estimated restoration time as between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. tonight.
The utility company has been struggling to restore power due to widespread damage from the storms. Currently Dominion is reporting 8,992 outages across Northern Virginia, including 2,832 in Fairfax County and 3,873 in Alexandria.
The downed trees and power lines are affecting bus service in Columbia Forest.
“Due to downed power lines, the ART Route 75 will not be servicing stops on S. Frederick Street until further notice,” Arlington Transit said in an alert earlier this morning. “Passengers can board on George Mason Drive.”
The outages are also affecting library service in Aurora Highlands.
Power is currently out at Aurora Hills due to yesterday's storms. We will open on time at 10 am, but there will be no Public PCs/Wi-Fi, and no access to your Library Account. You will be able to pick up holds & check out items. All other Library locations are operating normally.
— Arlington VA Pub Lib (@ArlingtonVALib) May 23, 2022
Update at 11 p.m. — The number of Dominion customers still in the dark is down modestly, to 7,378. A company spokeswoman said “the storms left a lot damage” and “crews will work thru the night as quickly & safely as possible.” More than 20,000 customers are without power throughout Northern Virginia.
Meanwhile, a transformer explosion was recently reported in the Barcroft neighborhood, likely complicating restoration efforts.
Update at 8:40 p.m. — There are 8,295 Dominion customers without power in Arlington, according to the utility company. Outages have been reported in the East Falls Church, Madison Manor, Columbia Forest, Claremont, Douglas Park, Green Valley, Long Branch Creek and Aurora Highlands neighborhoods, among others.
Fairfax Co has 9,284 outages. Northern Va: 25,461 customer outages.
We are in full storm-response with extra @DominionEnergy crews on the job.
Update at 7:25 p.m. — A Flood Warning has been issued as well.
718 PM EDT Sun May 22 2022
…FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 115 AM EDT MONDAY…
* WHAT…Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, central Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following counties: District of Columbia. In central Maryland, Montgomery and Prince Georges. In northern Virginia, Arlington, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, and Fairfax.
* WHEN…Until 115 AM EDT.
* IMPACTS…Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– At 716 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Flooding is 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… Reston… Annandale… Springfield… College Park… Fairfax… Langley Park… Beltsville… Vienna… Falls Church… Huntington… Coral Hills… Bladensburg… Mantua… Pimmit Hills… Mclean… Rosslyn… American Legion Bridge…
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Update at 7:10 p.m. — Get ready for round two. Arlington is under another Severe Thunderstorm Warning, this time until 8 p.m.
From the National Weather Service:
BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
704 PM EDT Sun May 22 2022
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning…
* Until 800 PM EDT.
* At 703 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Damascus to 13 miles north of Mineral, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Measured gust to 58 mph at Dulles Airport.
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, Stafford, Columbia, Germantown, Centreville, Dale City, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Reston, Leesburg, Annandale, Olney, Springfield, College Park, Fredericksburg, South Riding, Fort Washington and Herndon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
The earlier storm packed hail, strong winds and flooding downpours in parts of Arlington.
Reagan National Airport clocked a wind gust to 59 mph not long after this. https://t.co/MqXMthvnqQ
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) May 22, 2022
