Update at 2:50 p.m. — The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for portions of McLean, Vienna and Tysons.

More from NWS:

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR… THE NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA… SOUTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… NORTHWESTERN PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY IN CENTRAL MARYLAND… EAST CENTRAL LOUDOUN COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… NORTHEASTERN FAIRFAX COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA…

* UNTIL 330 PM EDT.

* AT 244 PM EDT, A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED OVER RESTON, MOVING EAST AT 25 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… ROCKVILLE, BETHESDA, GAITHERSBURG, RESTON, OLNEY, HERNDON, LANGLEY PARK, VIENNA, LOWES ISLAND, MCLEAN, AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE, ASPEN HILL, POTOMAC, NORTH BETHESDA, OAKTON, STERLING, NORTH POTOMAC, TYSONS CORNER, HYATTSVILLE AND WHITE OAK.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Silver Spring MD, Rockville MD, Bethesda MD until 3:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/ijRuDDuZlF

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 22, 2019

Earlier: Fairfax County and surrounding areas could see some thunderstorms, flash flooding, rain and strong wind today (Monday).

The National Weather Service recently issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch that will go into effect at 10 p.m. — possibly overlapping with the Flash Flood Watch, which begins at 3 p.m. and lasts until “late tonight.”

The county can expect heavy rain around 1-2 inches that could cause flash flooding later this afternoon and tonight. Strong thunderstorms may hit northwestern Fairfax County, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour.

The National Weather Service also issued a Special Weather Statement:

…SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING…

A cold front approaching the region will interact with an unstable airmass to result in showers and thunderstorms. Some of these thunderstorms may become severe, especially between 2 PM this afternoon and 9 PM this evening.

The main threats with these storms will be:
* Damaging wind gusts
* Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
* Frequent lightning

Take time today to review your severe weather action plan. Have a way to receive alerts from the National Weather Service, and be ready to seek safe shelter should storms approach your neighborhood or a warning is issued.

⛈ A cold front is bringing the heat wave to an end, but not without the threat of severe thunderstorms. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued until 10 pm. Stay weather aware and be ready to move inside if a warning is issued. #VaWx pic.twitter.com/bLN448GToT

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) July 22, 2019

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for most areas this afternoon through late tonight. Severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening. See map for more details. pic.twitter.com/Na8nVWgm7u

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 22, 2019

A company that provides air traffic surveillance systems is expanding in Tysons, bringing more than 50 new jobs.

Aireon LLC currently leases more than 26,000 square feet at 8484 Westpark Drive, Suite 300 in Tysons.

“The company is moving its headquarters within the Tysons area of the county and will increase the square footage of its office space by nearly 150 percent, accommodating more than 50 new jobs over the next three years,” according to a press release.

Aireon’s job creation will be supported by the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which provides state-funded services for employee training, the press release said.

“Aireon chose to remain in Fairfax County and expand the headquarters due to its proximity to downtown Washington, D.C., the Federal Aviation Administration and the area’s regional and international airports,” Rich Nyren, the chief financial officer of Aireon, said in the press release.

Nyren added that the county has “world-class public transportation, shops and restaurants and attracts some of the most educated workforce from the abundance of globally recognized local universities.”

First two photos courtesy Aireon, image 3 via Google Maps

This fall, patrons of the Tysons Galleria can expand their style choices with the grand opening of a new store.

Ba&sh, an international clothing brand, will soon join other fashion realtors in the shopping mall. The new store is poised to open mid-September, a Tysons Galleria customer service representative, told Tysons Reporter. Once open, it will be located on level one by Saks Fifth Avenue.

This will be the first Ba&sh store to open in the Virginia area — other locations throughout the United States are based in larger cities like New York and Los Angeles.

The company features items that aim to be “timeless and distinctive,” according to the website.

A new Afghan restaurant is nearing the final steps before it opens in downtown McLean.

Northern Virginia Magazine reported that the owner behind Bistro Aracosia in D.C. and Afghan Bistro in Springfield was aiming to open a McLean restaurant in March.

While March came and went a few months ago, a pending wine and beer license from earlier in July indicates that Aracosia — a spin-off of the D.C. spot — still plans to come to 1381 Beverly Road.

Owner Omar Masroor told Tysons Reporter that the restaurant is waiting for its liquor license permit before opening — tentatively the second week of September.

“It’s a great neighborhood,” Masroor said, adding that someone reached out to him about the 4,000 square feet in McLean, which will seat roughly 100 diners.

At first, Masroor said that he was skeptical about opening another restaurant so close to the D.C. location, but then he discovered that the McLean and Tysons residents he talked to don’t venture into D.C. to eat, “even though they are a 15-, 20-minute drive from each other.”

The menu will be “similar” to the D.C. one, like using the same spices, but Masroor said that the McLean spot will feature more vegan options and “crazy vegetarian dishes.”

Photo via Bistro Aracosia/Facebook

Stormy Afternoon Ahead With Flash Flood Watch — The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Watch for today (Monday) for Fairfax County and surrounding areas from 3 p.m. through late tonight. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall totaling 1-2 inches are expected. “Much of this rain may fall in short periods of time in any one given location, resulting in the risk for flash flooding this afternoon and tonight.” [NWS]

Georgetown Pike Now Open Again — All lanes of Georgetown Pike (Route 193) between Centrillion Drive and Georgetown Ridge Court in McLean closed for emergency road repairs on Sunday following a fallen tree and wires. The road reopened several hours later. [Twitter]

New Field in Tysons — “Quantum Field officially opened [earlier in July] and players will soon get the chance to enjoy this lighted, state-of-the-art synthetic turf rectangular field.” [Connection Newspapers]

Firefighters Fought Tysons Fire — Firefighters responded to a small fire on roof in the 8600 block of Westwood Center Drive in Tysons West on Sunday. [Twitter]

Langley High School Students Lauded — “Five local high-school students recently received the McLean Citizens Association’s 2019 Outstanding Teen Character Awards for their dedication to the community.” [Inside NoVa]

McLean Resident Lands Federal Agency Role — “The US Senate June 27 voted to confirm Aimee Jorjani as the first full-time chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.” Jorjani is a McLean resident. [Connection Newspapers]

Fairfax County police are looking for the three men who robbed a CVS in Tysons early Thursday morning.

The incident happened right before 3 a.m. on a Thursday (July 18) at 8177 Leesburg Pike.

“Three men entered the store and removed the cash drawers from behind the counter,” police said. “The clerk was knocked down when he tried to stop them.”

The men then drove off in a silver car, according to the police report.

“The suspects are described as black men believed to be in their teens to early 20s,” police said.

Image via Google Maps

The Town of Vienna received reports in June about embezzlement involving two local restaurants, according to the Vienna Police Department.

Police said that reports to the town’s Finance Department said that Amphora Restaurant (377 W. Maple Avenue) and now-closed Falafel Street (235 E. Maple Avenue) failed to remit their meals tax for several months.

For Amphora, police said that “a check was later received from the restaurant to cover the tax.”

Photo via Facebook

Crescendo Studios now has plans to expand after opening a few months ago in Merrifield.

The education-oriented music studio is looking to use a currently empty space adjacent to the studio’s existing location (8101 Lee Hwy), according to Fairfax County documents.

With the extra square footage, Crescendo would offer both an expanded music education center with group and private lessons and on-site recording studios, according to the application.

The studio’s application in June to the county noted that they would be able to increase their clientele and take on around 90 students.

“The majority of the students are expected to be between the age of 7 and 17, though some adults may also enroll,” according to the application.

The music school’s proposed hours of operation would be noon- 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday. The recording studio would be available 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on the weekend.

Crescendo told the county that the expansion would not affect parking in the area.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission is slated to hold a public hearing on the proposal in November.

Photo via Facebook and image 2 via Fairfax County 

Returning in August, Metropolitan Washington Summer Restaurant Week invites the community to once again branch out and try nearby restaurants.

From Aug. 12-18, food lovers can enjoy fixed-price meals at regional restaurants that would otherwise cost significantly more. Prices are $22 for brunch and lunch or $35 for dinner.

The list below shows participating locations in Tysons and the Mosaic District:

Alta Strada (2911 District Avenue)

Originally started in Massachusetts in 2007, Alta Strada specializes in Italian pasta dishes. Since then, they’ve expanded to four restaurants, including their Mosaic location.

Capri Ristorante Italiano (6825K Redmond Drive)

This Italian restaurant in McLean serves homestyle food with a menu featuring a variety of salads, soups, pasta and fresh seafood.

Wildfire (1714U International Drive)

Inside Tysons Galleria, Wildfire Steak House will offer a three-course lunch and dinner menu deal for the restaurant week, which includes a salad, main entree and dessert. Diners can check out their website for menu details and hours.

American Prime (1420 Spring Hill Road)

American Prime serves specialty steaks to customers in the Tysons area — the artisan charcuterie, dry-aged steaks and smoked prime rib are bestsellers, according to the restaurant.

Photo via American Prime/Facebook

An Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect for Fairfax County and surrounding areas for much of today (Friday).

The National Weather Service said the warning will last from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Heat index values could reach 110 degrees today.

Currently, Saturday and Sunday are under an Excessive Heat Watch.

More from NWS:

…EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING…
…EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING…

* HEAT INDEX VALUES…Near 110 degrees today, then potentially 110 to 115 degrees Saturday and Sunday due to temperatures in the upper 90s to around 100 degrees and dewpoints in the lower to middle 70s.

* Impacts…Dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress or heat stroke if precautions are not taken.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously high temperatures will occur. The combination of extreme temperatures and high humidity will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are expected. Check in on relatives and neighbors.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue wants people to keep cool and practice heat safety whether inside or outside. The fie department also has a guide for how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke — and what to do.

In addition to the heat, an Air Quality Alert has been issued for today.

More from NWS:

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert means that air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include children, people suffering from asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases and the elderly. The effects of air pollution can be minimized by avoiding strenuous activity or exercise outdoors.

#HEAT UPDATE: Today marks day 1 of 3 excessively hot and humid days for our region. Dangerous heat indices of 100-115 are expected. Stay hydrated and in shaded or air conditioned places, and check on your friends and neighbors. Heat safety tips: https://t.co/nm6p0Dmcbs. pic.twitter.com/Jb4u0DwSPs

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 19, 2019

Excessive Heat Watch Friday, Saturday and Sunday https://t.co/5ZMXDwfkM0

— Fairfax County Government 🇺🇸 (@fairfaxcounty) July 18, 2019

Photo by Kent Pilcher on Unsplash