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Power outage in Clarendon (map via Dominion)

(Updated at 2:05 p.m.) More than 800 Dominion customers are without power in parts of Clarendon, Lyon Village and Cherrydale.

The outage was reported around 1:30 p.m. Police are on scene along Wilson Blvd in Clarendon, helping to direct traffic that backed up as a result of stop lights going dark.

Dominion says the cause of the outage is a “circuit out.”

Rain and wind have been picking up this afternoon, ahead of potential severe weather later today. The National Weather Service has now issued both a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Wind Advisory for Arlington — as well as much of the region.

Forecasters say that wind gusts up to 50 mph may bring down trees and large branches. From NWS:

141 PM EDT Thu Mar 31 2022

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.

* WHERE…District of Columbia, and portions of central, northern and southern Maryland, central and northern Virginia and panhandle West Virginia.

* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Isolated tree damage 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.

Peggy Fox, a spokeswoman for the power company, said this morning that residents should charge their mobile devices in anticipation of the expected windy weather.

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Morning Notes

A kite stuck up a tree in Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Another Malfunctioning Walk Signal — Just over a week after this, another reported crosswalk signal issue: “Instead of telling you when it’s safe to cross the street, the walk signs in Crystal City, VA are just repeating ‘CHANGE PASSWORD’. Something’s gone terribly wrong here.” [Twitter]

School Board Meeting Was Mostly Maskless — “For those playing the ‘how many Arlington School Board members will go mask-free at the first board meeting after requirements were lifted?’ home game, the winners were those who had put their money on four out of five. Board members David Priddy, Cristina Diaz-Torres, Reid Goldstein and chairman Barbara Kanninen were maskless at the March 10 meeting, as was Superintendent Francisco Durán. School Board member Mary Kadera kept her mask affixed.” [Sun Gazette]

Survey Work on GW Parkway — ” A $161 million ‘complete rehabilitation‘ of the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway is being planned… Through Friday, March 18, there will be single-lane closures along the northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway for bridge surveys. Drivers should proceed with caution in these areas and consider using alternate routes, according to an NPS alert.” [WUSA 9]

Arlington Doc Helping Refugees — “An Arlington doctor is not only battling the pandemic in Northern Virginia, but he also travels across international borders to help those in need. The current refugee crisis that began with Afghans in 2021, now includes Ukrainians facing a similar fate of displacement and an uncertain future. For three years before COVID-19 spread across the globe, Dr. Ali Karim helped build wells in Nigeria, aided orphans and women in Kabul, Afghanistan and filmed a documentary about his solo journey.” [WJLA]

Days Inn Redevelopment Update — “The plans to replace the Days Inn at 2201 Arlington Boulevard with 262 multi-family units and around 3,000 square feet of retail were filed with Arlington County last week. The eight-story project will also have surface and underground parking. STUDIOS Architecture designed the building.” [Urban Turf]

Social Sports Return to Crystal City — “Sand Volleyball is BACK in National Landing starting this May with a few fun new additions – Bocce and Corn Hole!” [Twitter]

Yes, It’s Getting Windier — “Our analysis of wind data shows that the strongest gusts have become more frequent recently. Last year featured more big wind gusts than any recent year, a trend that has continued into this year. Wind advisories, issued by the National Weather Service when gusts are expected to top 45 mph, have also been on the increase since the mid-2000s.” [Capital Weather Gang]

It’s Tuesday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 66 and low of 40. Sunrise at 7:21 am and sunset at 7:17 pm. [Weather.gov]

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Update at 3 p.m. — Snow is starting to taper off. Roads are mostly clear, after just over an inch of snow fell on Arlington.

Update at 9 a.m. — Snow continues to fall amid strong winds, reducing visibility and causing slick conditions on some paved surfaces. All lanes of westbound I-66 are currently closed at Spout Run due to a crash. It’s unclear whether the crash is weather related.

Earlier: Frozen precipitation is now falling on Arlington and forecasters warn that things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.

Rain is changing over to snow as temperatures fall and strong wind gusts whip up, thanks to a strong cold front and storm system making its way up the East Coast.

In addition to the earlier Winter Weather Advisory and Wind Advisory, the National Weather Service this morning issued a Special Weather Statement urging extra caution on the road if you absolutely must travel during the “near blizzard conditions” expected later this morning.

646 AM EST Sat Mar 12 2022

…RAPIDLY DETERIORATING CONDITIONS THIS MORNING…

Rain will change to snow over the Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas as well as northeastern Maryland by 9 AM this morning from northwest to southeast. Snowfall rates around one to two inches per hour are expected through late this morning along with rapidly falling temperatures below freezing. Despite the recent warm conditions, snow is expected to stick on many surfaces, causing travel disruptions.

Strong northwest winds with gusts around 45 to 55 mph are expected during this time, causing snow and possible blowing snow to reduce visibility below one-half mile at times. Near blizzard conditions are expected.

Please use extra caution if you have to travel.

More from the Capital Weather Gang:

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Bob & Edith’s Diner in the snow (staff photo by Matt Blitz)

Get ready for a wintry and windy Saturday.

A Winter Weather Advisory and Wind Advisory, both of which take effect Saturday morning, were just issued for Arlington. Forecasters expect wind gusts up to 55 mph and snow accumulation of 2-4 inches as a storm system moves up the East Coast.

From the National Weather Service:

325 PM EST Fri Mar 11 2022

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 3 PM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Northwest winds will gust around 45 to 55 mph.

* WHERE…Portions of central and northeastern Maryland, northern and central Virginia, and the District of Columbia, including most of the DC and Baltimore metros.

* WHEN…From 7 AM to 3 PM EST Saturday. Rain will change to snow between 7 and 9 AM early Saturday. The steadiest snow will be through Saturday morning.

* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Visibility may be reduced to below one- quarter mile at times. Brief near blizzard conditions are possible between 8 and 11 AM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

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.

Also from NWS:

326 PM EST Fri Mar 11 2022

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM SATURDAY TO 1 AM EST SUNDAY…

* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* WHERE…Portions of northern and central Maryland, northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia including the DC and Baltimore metro areas.

* WHEN…From 6 AM Saturday to 1 AM EST Sunday.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A few gusts to around 60 mph are possible. Strong winds may persist into early Sunday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang is a bit more measured in terms of its snow accumulation prediction for Arlington, calling for a coating to 2-3 inches of snow accumulation, with higher amounts north and west.

The storm is expected to start as rain before changing over to snow mid-morning. In such scenarios, snows crews typically do not pre-treat roadways as the treatment would be washed away by the time the frozen precipitation starts.

VDOT said Friday afternoon that its plow crews are ready to tackle the snowy onslaught, while asking drivers to stay at home if at all possible.

VDOT Northern Virginia crews are ready for winter weather that is forecast to impact the region Saturday. The forecast shows precipitation starting as rain and turning to snow. Residents should be ready for high wind gusts and below freezing temperatures.

As always, residents are asked to monitor forecasts and plan ahead to avoid nonessential travel during winter weather.

What’s Happening Now

  • See the Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service for precipitation for Saturday. The forecast includes periods of rain and accumulating snow, as well as increased winds. Please continue to monitor forecasts closely as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly.
  • Crews will mobilize overnight to treat state-maintained roads. Please drive with caution around plow trucks as they are heavy and move slowly.
  • Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, causing potential icy conditions. Treat anything that looks wet as if it could be icy, especially bridges, ramps, overpasses, and elevated surfaces. If there is snow or ice on roadways, travel is hazardous.

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High winds in Courthouse (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Enjoy today’s potentially record-breaking warmth while it lasts — by midnight it will be gone with the wind (and storms).

A Wind Advisory has been issued for the D.C. area today and will take effect at 11 a.m. Forecasters say gusts of up to 50 mph are possible this afternoon and evening.

More from the National Weather Service:

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 1 AM EST TUESDAY…

* WHAT…Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected shifting to northwest this evening.

* WHERE…Portions of The District of Columbia, central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland and central, northern and northwest Virginia.

* WHEN…From 11 AM this morning to 1 AM EST Tuesday.

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

Residents are advised to secure outdoor objects, to be careful when driving, and to prepare for possible power outages.

In addition to the wind, thunderstorms are possible today starting around 4 or 5 p.m. The storms could be severe.

On the back end of the storms, expect falling temperatures and a couple hours of rain.

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It’s going to be a windy night, posing potential hazards for anyone outside.

Wind gusts up to 50 mph may cause tree limbs to fall, forecasters say. The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement about the strong gusts.

From NWS:

801 PM EST Tue Feb 22 2022

…ISOLATED WIND GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH…

South to southwest winds will gust frequently between 30 and 40 mph this evening. Isolated gusts up to 50 mph are possible. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects along with possible downed tree limbs. Winds should diminish late this evening and overnight, but it will remain breezy.

With the winds will come warmer weather. The current expected high on Wednesday is 70 degrees.

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File photo

It’s going to get quite windy tonight.

Today will be breezy but winds will whip up even more after dark, with gusts up to 50 mph overnight ahead of a cold front. That could result in downed trees and power outages.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory, in effect from 10 p.m. until 10 a.m. Friday.

More from NWS:

349 AM EST Thu Feb 17 2022

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM EST FRIDAY…

* WHAT…South to southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Winds will quickly turn northwest behind a cold front after 3 AM.

* WHERE…The Baltimore and Washington Metropolitan areas, northern Virginia, northern and central Maryland, and the eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

* WHEN…From 10 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Friday.

* 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.

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Wind Advisory in effect today

A brief bout of flurries earlier this morning was the last precipitation to fall as a result of our latest winter storm. Now comes the wind.

A Wind Advisory is now in effect, until 10 p.m. tonight. Gusty winds up to 55 mph could bring down waterlogged trees and branches, knocking out power.

As of publication there are no outages of note in Arlington, though the wind should be its gustiest in the afternoon and evening hours.

More from the National Weather Service:

932 AM EST Mon Jan 17 2022

…WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.

* WHERE…The District of Columbia, portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, northern, northwest and western Virginia and eastern West Virginia.

* WHEN…Until 10 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS…Damaging winds will likely blow down scattered trees and power lines. Scattered power outages are possible. Loose outdoor objects may be blown away or damaged.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

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Arlington and much of the region will be under a Wind Advisory starting Saturday afternoon.

Unseasonably warm weather in the afternoon — with temperatures as high as 70 degrees — will give way to cooler temperatures, which will be accompanied by gusty winds. Gusts up to 55 mph could snap tree limbs and knock out power.

More from the National Weather Service:

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SATURDAY TO 1 AM EST SUNDAY…

* WHAT… West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected.

* WHERE… Portions of The District of Columbia, central, north central, northeast and northern Maryland, central, northern, northwest and western Virginia and eastern and panhandle West Virginia.

* WHEN… From 4 PM Saturday to 1 AM EST Sunday.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… The highest gusts are most likely between 6 pm and Midnight this evening.

Flickr pool photo by Kevin Wolf

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A warm afternoon will give way to strong winds and colder temperatures tonight.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for Arlington, D.C. and surrounding areas, cautioning against gusts up to 50 mph. Tree damage and power outages are possible.

More from NWS:

334 PM EST Mon Dec 6 2021

…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT…

* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* WHERE…The District of Columbia, much of northern and central Maryland including Baltimore, and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…Until midnight EST tonight.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The highest wind gusts are most likely in a 2 to 4 hour window between 7 and 11pm this evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

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Blowing leaves (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement about the strong winds that are currently gusting in Arlington and across the region.

Forecasters are cautioning that the gusts may fell tree branches and cause power outages. The strongest of the gusts are expected through mid-afternoon.

As of publication time, no outages have been reported in Arlington, according to Dominion’s outage map.

More from NWS:

1106 AM EST Fri Nov 26 2021

…GUSTY WINDS LEADING TO MINOR TREE DAMAGE…

Gusty northwesterly winds up to 45 mph will be possible through this afternoon and may result in sporadic tree and power line damage.

Remain alert if traveling through wooded areas, and avoid them if possible.

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