Recent storms have knocked down trees across Reston, capping a Fourth of July weekend that brought dangerous heat and severe weather to the community.
Downed trees in Reston and Takoma Park were reported by WTOP News as thunderstorms blasted the region Sunday afternoon. Heavy rain reduced visibility for drivers across the area.
More storms are forecast for the week ahead. This week is likely to bring another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with the National Weather Service warning of possible severe storms and urban flooding. Temperature highs are expected between 85 and 90 degrees. The unsettled pattern is expected to continue through Thursday, with storms possible each day.
The D.C. region will likely remain under an Extreme Heat Alert through Monday. The National Weather Service warned that daytime conditions could feel at or above 105 degrees, while overnight temperatures may stay near 80.
This could be the region's most significant heat wave since July 2012, which resulted in a dozen deaths in Virginia, CNN reported on Thursday.
Where Reston residents can cool off
The Reston Association posted a Heat Advisory on Tuesday, July 1, listing four Fairfax County cooling centers near Reston:
- Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate
- Reston Regional Library
- Fairfax County Health Lake Anne Office (11484 Washington Plaza West)
- Fairfax County Health Cameron Glen Office (1850 Cameron Glen Drive)
The Embry Rucker Community Shelter in Reston has also been accommodating overflow capacity day and night during the heat wave, according to FFXnow.
Fairfax County said in a public notice that cooling centers are stocked with bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellent and body wipes. However, the county warned that facilities may close unexpectedly due to HVAC issues. Reston Regional Library shut down on Thursday, July 2, for that exact reason.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn recommended the North County human services building at 1850 Cameron Glen Drive as an alternative. "If you need a place to get cool," Alcorn said, directing residents there when the library closed.
Information on which locations are open is available here.
What's ahead
Tuesday should bring gradual improvement as humidity begins to ease, though a few showers may linger early. Continued storm chances with highs in the mid-80s to low 90s are expected later this week.
The Reston Association encouraged members to use community pools to beat the heat and to take safety precautions, including staying hydrated and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
