Wind Advisory in Effect Today for Fairfax County

A Wind Advisory is in effect through 2 p.m. today (Monday) for Fairfax County.

The National Weather Service cautions that winds with gusts of up to 50 mph are expected in most of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region.

The NWS first issued a wind advisory last night that was expected to continue until noon today, but the agency announced at 6:16 a.m. today that the advisory’s hours have been extended until to 2 p.m.

Here’s more from the alert:

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

Gusty winds are expected tonight through Monday morning. See map for more details. pic.twitter.com/7zIalTcPu3

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) November 2, 2020

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department warns that scattered power outages are possible as winds could cause power lines, tree limbs, and trees to fall. Fallen power lines pose a particular danger when the ground is saturated by water, as it is in Fairfax County after recent rainy days.

Downed power lines can energize the ground up to 35 feet away, or more if there is water, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, which advises anyone who sees a downed power line to call 911.

“It is especially important to understand that downed lines can energize other objects, including fences, cars/trucks, buildings, bushes and trees, and telephone/cable TV cables,” the FCFRD says. “Assume all downed power lines are live and dangerous!”

Photo via FCPD/Twitter