Virginia Leans Red Again — “In blow to Democrats, Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe in Virginia’s high-profile election for governor Tuesday, NBC News projects, flipping control of a state that President Joe Biden won handily just a year ago and suggesting trouble for his party in next year’s midterm elections.” [NBC News]
Limited Supplies of COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Expected — Demand for pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations could outstrip supply, as in the early days of the vaccine’s rollout. The Fairfax County Health Department urges patience as it anticipates about 80,000 of the county’s 97,000 children aged 5-11 to seek out the vaccine in the next few months. [The Washington Post]
Vienna Police Participate in No-Shave November — “Typically, Vienna police officers have to follow a dress code that doesn’t allow male officers to have facial hair. This November, that rule will be suspended so officers can raise awareness about prostate cancer for the Grow-and-Give fundraising campaign.” [Patch]
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Coming to Tysons — “We are delighted to team up with the @vmfamuseum to host their Artmobile outside @capitalonehall’s Box Office November 17th & 18th! Join us for a FREE exhibit of A View from Home: Landscapes of Virginia. Link in bio for more!” [Capital One Center/Instagram]
The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for Fairfax County, as still-strong winds bring an unseasonable chill to the region.
Issued around noon, the warning will take effect at 2 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) and last until 9 a.m. in parts of Northern Virginia and Maryland. According to the forecast for Tysons, tonight will bring west wind speeds of seven to 13 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 25 miles per hour.
Here is the full alert from the NWS:
…FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 9 AM EDT FRIDAY…
* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures around 30 degrees.
* WHERE…Portions of northern Maryland and northern and central Virginia near and west of Interstate 95, and portions of the eastern West Virginia panhandle.
* WHEN…From 2 AM to 9 AM EDT Friday.
* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
For precautionary measures, the NWS advises taking steps to protect plants and outdoor pipes from the cold.
“To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly,” the NWS said. “Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.”
Image via NWS
FCPS on Two-Hour Delay — Fairfax County Public Schools are opening today on a two-hour delay due to dangerous cold and potentially hazardous travel on local roads. [Reston Now]
Metro Delays This Morning — Expect some delays if riding Metrorail this morning, in part due to fewer trains running amid the bitter cold. [Twitter]
Vienna Businesses Want More Economic Development — “Vienna’s business environment flourished in 2017 but weakened noticeably last year, highlighting the town’s need to hire a specialist to improve its commercial prospects, according to the 2018 annual report submitted by the Town/Business Liaison Committee (TBLC).” [InsideNova]
Fairfax County Public Schools will open two hours late on Tuesday.
The closure is “due to the very cold weather.” Temperatures may dip into the single digits in parts of the county overnight.
School offices and central offices will open on time, FCPS said.
Due to the very cold weather, all Fairfax County public schools will open two hours late tomorrow, Jan. 22, 2019 (Condition 3B). School offices and central offices will open on time. https://t.co/zNBBMjWGwr
— Fairfax Schools (@fcpsnews) January 21, 2019
Tonight, temperatures will drop down into the single digits and low teens. Remember to bundle up in layers to protect yourself from the frigid conditions. pic.twitter.com/jzqhrYvkXa
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) January 22, 2019
Free Connector Rides for Unpaid Feds — “Beginning Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, Fairfax Connector will provide free rides system-wide for federal government employees affected by the government shutdown who are still required to report for work. You must show your federal photo ID to the bus operator when boarding to ride free.” [Fairfax County]
County: Lend a Hand with Shoveling — “While snowstorms are exciting for many of us, for neighbors who are older, injured or have a disability, snowstorms can cause a great deal of anxiety and pose a threat to their well-being. If you are willing to help shovel out a neighbor in need, consider adding a discussion to your Nextdoor neighborhood, Facebook group, email list or HOA site letting your neighbors know you are willing to help.” [Fairfax County Emergency Information]
Group Still Pushing for New Potomac Bridge — “Traffic congestion continues to be a major thorn in the region’s side and Jason Stanford of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance said state and local officials are seeking several possible solutions. The alliance’s top priority is advocating for construction of a new Potomac River crossing north of the American Legion Bridge.” [InsideNova]
Bitter Cold Coming Next Week — “Weather models project the onset of a severe and punishing winter weather pattern… A blast of a bitter Arctic air is forecast to plunge into the eastern U.S. late this week and this weekend, the coldest of the winter so far.” [Capital Weather Gang]
