If last week’s surprise rainstorm was any indication, the Tysons area is in for a wet spring and some extensive flooding.
Last year was the rainiest on record for the region, which has not only taken a toll on local roads but also hit the area with flooding that has frequently closed streets.
A map put together by the Federal Emergency Management Agency showed the regional flood hazard areas, which unsurprisingly mostly follow local creeks.
Most of the flood hazards around Tysons itself are on the periphery. Old Courthouse Spring Branch just west of the Spring Hill Metro station is vulnerable to flooding, as is Scott’s Run, which runs through Tysons East.
In Vienna, the main flooding hazard is Wolftrap Creek, which runs along the Tysons-Vienna border. There are several low roads through the area, like Old Courthouse Road, which are subject to being washed out during flooding. The area north of Vienna along Piney Branch is also susceptible to flooding.
A 2016 study found that the sewer system along Maple Avenue in Vienna would be unable to handle significant rainfall, but sewer renovations remain unfunded.
In McLean, Dead Run Stream and Pimmit Run are both flood hazard areas, though Dead Run Stream has recently completed a series of revitalization projects whose aim was partially reducing the amount of flooding in the park.
A steady, soaking rain today may lead to flooding around Fairfax County and Northern Virginia.
The National Weather Service says 1-3 inches of rain will fall today, with the heaviest rain between 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The rain may cause creeks and streams to rise and flood low-lying areas, forecasters say.
A soaking rain is expected for most of the area today and a Flood Watch is in effect for portions of the area. For more details on the Flood Watch, click on the image attached. pic.twitter.com/FM05bEkfXs
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) March 21, 2019
More from NWS:
…FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING… THE FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR * PORTIONS OF MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS, IN MARYLAND, ANNE ARUNDEL, CARROLL, CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST HOWARD, CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST MONTGOMERY, FREDERICK MD, NORTHERN BALTIMORE, NORTHWEST HARFORD, NORTHWEST HOWARD, NORTHWEST MONTGOMERY, PRINCE GEORGES, SOUTHEAST HARFORD, AND SOUTHERN BALTIMORE. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA, ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA, EASTERN LOUDOUN, FAIRFAX, PRINCE WILLIAM/MANASSAS/MANASSAS PARK, AND WESTERN LOUDOUN. * FROM 10 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING * A WIDESPREAD SOAKING RAIN OF 1 TO 2 INCHES IS EXPECTED. ISOLATED AMOUNTS OF AROUND 3 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE. THE STEADIEST RAIN IS EXPECTED BETWEEN 10 AM THIS MORNING AND 6 PM THIS EVENING, WITH RESIDUAL RUNOFF POSSIBLY PERSISTING THROUGH LATE THIS EVENING. * THESE RAINFALL AMOUNTS MAY CAUSE SMALL STREAMS AND CREEKS TO GO OUT OF THEIR BANKS, AS WELL AS CAUSE FLOODING OF LOW-LYING, URBAN AND POOR DRAINAGE 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. &&
950a: Very impressive radar shows moderate to heavy rain soaking the region. Allow extra time and take it slow — likely to have some ponding of water on roads. pic.twitter.com/o58JAkNZtp
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) March 21, 2019
Some flight delays have been reported at Reagan National Airport as a result of the rain.
March showers bring… April showers? ☔️ Some flights are being impacted by today’s gloomy, rainy weather. It’s always a good idea to double check the status of your flight directly with the airline prior to coming to the airport. pic.twitter.com/62XNLNIItf
— Reagan Airport (@Reagan_Airport) March 21, 2019
Tonight’s weather might be ugly, but anyone hoping for another snow day might be out of luck.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a possible one to two inches of snow in the Tysons area from 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday) through 1 p.m. tomorrow (Friday).
NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY… * WHAT…SNOW AND SLEET EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES EXPECTED. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND AND NORTHERN AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY. A BRIEF PERIOD OF MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW MAY OCCUR BETWEEN 2 AM AND 6 AM. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT THE MORNING COMMUTE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW, SLEET OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. EXPECT SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES, AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY. &&
The Virginia Department of Transportation said on Twitter that it will be spot-brining hotspots — including bridges, ramps, and overpasses — and commuters should plan to adjust travel times or telework.
Citing an “abundance of caution,” tomorrow’s planned Vesper Trail ribbon-cutting event is cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Here are some additional details for the expected winter weather moving into our region tonight into Friday morning. pic.twitter.com/ecluXqXZv8
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) February 28, 2019
Fairfax County and surrounding areas will be under a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory on Thursday, as heavy rain and strong winds rake across the region.
About 1-2 inches of rain is expected to fall starting tonight through midday Thursday, 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 Twitter:
Both flood watch and wind advisory in effect for DMV Thursday morning. Over an inch of rain possible, and wind gusts to 40 to 50 mph as strong cold front sweeps through. More info: https://t.co/zDJoNCDXkq pic.twitter.com/ZTVbjaHKoj
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) January 23, 2019
Wind Advisory (brown) for the DC/Baltimore Metro areas & S MD from 6 AM-Noon tomorrow. Wind Advisories/High Wind Warnings along the Blue Ridge/Allegheny Front are currently in effect and go through 6 AM Thursday. 50+ MPH gusts, scattered tree damage and power outages possible. pic.twitter.com/vjMWH7SM9R
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) January 23, 2019
Photo (top) via National Weather Service
Fairfax County’s Big Job Adds — “Fairfax County’s Economic Development Authority worked with 164 companies in calendar year 2017 to add, eventually, nearly 8,200 jobs. Three announcements, including a doozy from Amazon Web Services, accounted for 70 percent of that total… The Transportation Security Administration’s 2020 relocation from Pentagon City to Springfield: 3,000 jobs. AWS’ East Coast hub in Herndon: 1,500 jobs. And Favor TechConsulting, a Tysons-based minority-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned government contractor: 1,200 jobs.” [Washington Business Journal]
What’s Closed for New Year — “Fairfax County offices will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019, while schools, parks and other services will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Some services like transit will be during New Year’s Eve events. Services will resume Tuesday, Jan. 2 unless noted.” [Patch]
Flood Watch in Effect — Expect periods of rain today. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of the region through late tonight. “Excessive runoff from already saturated soils will cause the potential for streams and creeks to rise out of their banks as well as flooding in low lying urban areas,” forecasters say. [Weather.gov, Twitter]
Rainy Weather Driving Tips — “The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has some good guidance for safe driving in the rain, like keeping extra distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Also, turn on your lights anytime it’s raining.” [Fairfax County Fire, YouTube]
Reminder: Change Your Clocks and Smoke Alarm Batteries — “We move our clocks back one hour early Sunday morning. You also need to remember that when you change your clock, our firefighters and paramedics want you to check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working.” [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]
Rainy Weather Prevented Paving in Vienna — The Town of Vienna “was unable to complete about $100,000 worth of paving and pavement marking work earlier this year because of poor weather, said Finance Director Marion Serfass.” [InsideNova]
100th Birthday Party in McLean — “Ann Ames Groves Gurman, formerly of Arlington and now living at Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean, celebrated her 100th birthday last weekend. Born on Oct. 26, 1918, Ann Ames grew up in Arlington. She was Miss Arlington in 1936 before going off to college. ” [McLean Connection]
Friday: Affordable Housing Discussion — “Join as we host Abdi Hamud from Fairfax County’s Affordable and Workforce Dwelling Units Program at this month’s meeting. Abdi will facilitate a roundtable discussion about affordable housing in Fairfax County and more specifically in Tysons.” [Tysons Chamber of Commerce]
Heavy Rain, Wind Today — Expect heavy rain and strong wind as a cold front moves through the region, ushering in fall-like weather. Today’s rain may cause flash flooding. [Twitter, Twitter]
Mom Has Daughter Arrested for Theft — “A woman living in the 600 block of Gibson Circle, S.W., told Vienna police on Sept. 27 at 12:30 a.m. that her juvenile daughter allegedly had stolen her cell phone and punched a hole in a wall. The resident advised police she wished to pursue charges.” [InsideNova]
Uptick in Sexual Harassment Reports at FCPS — “The 2017-2018 Fairfax County Youth Survey found that 14.2 percent of students reported being sexually harassed in the past year, an increase of a full percentage point from the 13.2 percent in the survey issued during the 2016-2017 school year. Female students are three times more likely than male students to report experiencing sexual harassment as 20.8 percent of girls said they had been harassed compared to 7.3 percent of boys.” [Fairfax County Times]
Hurricane Michael Could Soak Region — The remnants of Hurricane Michael, which is on a collision course with the Florida panhandle, could bring an inch or so of rain to Fairfax County between late Wednesday night and Friday. [Capital Weather Gang]
Tysons Firm Announces Merger — Tysons-based Telarix Inc. last week “announced its merger with Starhome Mach, the leading global provider of SaaS wholesale and retail roaming, clearing, settlement and fraud prevention solutions.” The combined company will be headquartered in Tysons. [Starhome Mach]
Domestic Violence Awareness Month in FFX — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Fairfax County held an event to remind residents to “make the call to end domestic violence.” The county’s 24-hour domestic and sexual violence hotline is 703-360-7273. [YouTube]