Monday, August 7, 2023

Severe Weather Likely This Afternoon And Evening

This afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. in our region. I will update this post with more information as the weather impacts Northern Virginia.
UPDATED 2 PM

Office of Personnel Management Closing Federal Buildings at 3 PM
Employees of Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are authorized for Early Departure. Employees should depart 2 hours earlier than their normal departure time and may request Unscheduled Leave to depart prior to their staggered departure time. All employees Must Depart no later than 3:00 at which time Federal offices are Closed.


Virginia Dept. Of Transportation Guidance:
The safety of the traveling public and our crews is VDOT’s top priority. As forecasts and conditions could change, travelers should pay close attention to local weather reports and announcements from officials and limit their travels based on conditions.

This severe weather system may cause downed trees, power lines and other debris, as well as flooding that will make roadways extremely hazardous or impassable. Stay away from downed wires and do not approach or touch trees or limbs that are entangled with wires as they could be extremely dangerous. If those are in state maintained roadways, VDOT crews must await the power company to remove any electrical hazard before addressing downed trees or other roadway debris.

Travelers should use extreme caution on roadways:
  • Obey all “road closed” signage.
  • “Turn around, don’t drown” - Do not attempt to travel through flooded roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the primary causes of flood-related deaths occur to individuals driving into or walking in or near flood waters.
  • 6 inches of flood water is enough to knock an adult off of their feet
  • 12 inches can move most cars
  • 18-24 inches can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks
  • Be alert to debris, downed trees and power lines.
  • Move over for emergency crews operating in or near roadways.
  • Be alert to High Wind Advisories, especially on bridges or taller structures. High-profile vehicles such as tractor trailers, SUVs or box trucks are especially vulnerable and should not cross a bridge when a High Wind Advisory is posted.
  • Prior to travel, the public should check road conditions by calling 511, visiting www.511Virginia.org or checking the 511 Virginia mobile app.
The public should report any problems such as flooding, downed trees or road hazards to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or call 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

National Weather Service Bulletin Summary:

The severe threat is increasing across portions of the central Appalachians into the Mid Atlantic region. Widespread damaging gusts and at least a few tornadoes are expected. A Tornado Watch will be needed to address the increasing severe threat.

Read the full bulletin here

The good news is that you can survive a tornado! Even on the western fringe of tornado alley, chances are you will never experience a direct hit by a tornado.  However, being prepared is critical.

By following these simple guidelines, you can protect yourself and your family from nature's most violent storm.

No matter where you are, use these basic guidelines for tornado safety.  Refer to other sections of this guide for more details on staying safe in specific locations and circumstances.

The most important things to remember are:

  • GET IN - If you are outside, get inside.  If you're already inside, get as far into the middle of the building as possible.
  • GET DOWN - Get underground if possible.  If you cannot, go to the lowest floor possible.
  • COVER UP - Flying and falling debris are a storm's number one killer.  Use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.

Capital Weather Gang Storm At A Glance Analysis:

Timing: 4 to 8 p.m., from west to east.

  • Around 4 p.m. along Interstate 81
  • Around 6 p.m. near the Beltway and Interstate 95
  • By around 8 p.m. east of the Chesapeake Bay
  • Note this timing could shift by an hour or so — either earlier or later.

Coverage: Scattered to widespread.

Main threats: Damaging to destructive wind gusts, brief tornadoes, hail, torrential rain and frequent lightning. Scattered to widespread power outages are probable.

Bottom line: Stay aware of the evolving situation. Ensure outdoor items are secure and charge devices. Plan to avoid travel during storms.


Important Resources

Dominion Resources Power Outage Line
1-866-366-4357

Dominion Resources Storm Center Outage and Restoration Updates

VDOT Street Problem Number
1 (800) FOR-ROAD

VDOT REAL-TIME ONLINE PLOW MAP

Other Resources
Dominion
NOVEC
Washington Gas  
Fairfax County Police:   703-691-2131 
Prince William County:  703-792-6500
Stafford County:  540-658-4400

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