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A flood warning replaced earlier tornado and severe thunderstorm alerts in Fairfax County on Monday, March 16, as rising streams, high water and fallen trees forced several road closures.
The flood warning remained in effect until 6:30 p.m. after 1 to 2 inches of rain fell across the area. Emergency officials reported multiple instances of small-stream and storm-drain flooding along Interstate 495 south of the American Legion Bridge.
Up to another half-inch of rain was possible in the warned area, which included Tysons, Reston, Annandale, Vienna, Falls Church, Burke, Chantilly, Centreville, McLean, Oakton, Pimmit Hills and Wolf Trap. The warning also covered the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and part of Montgomery County, Maryland.
The National Weather Service said runoff from the earlier rainfall was continuing to push streams higher. Low-water crossings were inundated and might not be passable.
Several Fairfax County roads closed after heavy rain moved into the area:
- Fox Mill Road at Lawyers Road in Reston, because of a fallen tree
- Towlston Road and Leigh Mill Road in the Wolf Trap area, because of a fallen tree
- Old Courthouse Road at Besley Road in Wolf Trap, because of high water
- Woodburn Road at Spicewood Drive in Woodburn, because of high water
Drivers were urged not to enter flooded roads. Riverbanks and culverts could also become unstable and dangerous.
Earlier warnings raised tornado and wind concerns
The day began with a Tornado Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for Fairfax County. The tornado watch had initially been scheduled to continue until 7 p.m., but it was later canceled, while the thunderstorm warnings expired.
Forecasters had warned that storms capable of producing tornadoes and damaging winds could move through Northern Virginia during the afternoon and evening. Wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph and an isolated strong tornado were considered possible.
Thunderstorms with 60 mph gusts were observed near Fredericksburg moving northeast, prompting a warning at 11:17 a.m. It first covered southwestern Fairfax County, including Centreville and Clifton, before shifting to northern Fairfax and remaining in effect until 12:30 p.m.
Officials warned that strong winds could bring down trees and large branches, block roads, damage homes and vehicles, injure people outside and cause localized power outages.
Schools, courts and public facilities closed early
Fairfax County Public Schools released students three hours early and canceled all afternoon activities on school property.
George Mason University canceled in-person classes and events after 1:30 p.m. Students were told to await instructions about alternative arrangements. The university anticipated returning to normal operations Tuesday, while employees were expected to continue working remotely Monday.
Fairfax County allowed government employees to take unscheduled leave beginning at 1 p.m. The county’s main courthouse and its circuit, general district and juvenile courts closed at 1 p.m. Community centers, recreation centers and libraries were scheduled to close at 5 p.m.
Satellite early-voting locations at the Mount Vernon and North County governmental centers closed at 4:30 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. The Fairfax County Government Center voting site kept its regular weekday closing time of 4:30 p.m.
Travelers using Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport were also advised to check with their airlines for possible cancellations or delays.