Community Corner
Wet Weekend in Store for Falls Church
Heavy rain from Hurricane Irene expected to hit area on Saturday.
Thursday’s rain in Falls Church was nothing compared to what the National Weather Service is expecting this weekend.
A 40-percent chance of rain is expected today, according to the NWS forecast. Saturday, rain from Hurricane Irene is expected to arrive in Falls Church early in the day and increase as nightfall comes, according to the NWS. The rain is expected to go into Sunday.
On Thursday, Gov. Bob McDonnell declared Virginia in a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Irene's arrival to the East Coast.
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Declaring a state of emergency allows state resources to be made available. The following preparations are being made:
- Virginia Evacuation Coordination Team for Operational Response has activated to assess the storm’s potential impact and to take necessary actions.
- Because of Tuesday's earthquake, the Virginia Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the state’s response with increased staffing available 24 hours a day and is now at Response Condition.
- State Police and the Swift Water Rescue Team have been placed on stand-by and will be pre-positioned to the areas where they will be needed based on the final projected path of the hurricane.
- Chainsaw crews from the Virginia Department of Forestry are standing by with emergency response personnel and to help with debris removal.
- Department of Transportation crews are ready to clear roads and ensure roads are safe for travel.
- The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring personnel on state active duty and begin prepositioning resources.
The Department of Health is coordinating with hospitals and long-term care facilities to ensure that they are prepared for storm impacts.
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In the City of Falls Church, city officials met Thursday to prepare for possible power outages during the heavy downpours. City staff tested and fueled standby generators for use at city all, the , public utilities pumping stations, and the property yard, according to city spokeswoman Barbara Gordon.
The community center and Mary Riley Styles Public Library will stay open normal operating hours this weekend unless it becomes unsafe for employees and the public.
For updates during the weekend storms, visit:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
