Centreville Under Tropical Storm Warning as Irene Draws Closer

Friday 7:30 a.m.: A tropical storm warning is in effect for the entire metro area. Tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 36 hours. 

Amtrak has cancelled all services south of D.C. because of Irene.

Update: 5:45 p.m. Thursday Centreville and the entire D.C. metro area is under a tropical storm watch for the next 48 hours.  

As of 5 p.m. the center of was located about 820 miles south of Washington D.C. 

On Thursday Gov. Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency in Virginia in anticipation of Hurricane Irene. To read about how to set up a disaster preparedness plan,  Also follow updates on Hurricane Irene from Patches around the region on a new Facebook page. 

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The following is a public service announcement from Fairfax County:

The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast a Flash Flood Watch through this evening for most of the National Capital region, including Fairfax County, as well as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m. for Fairfax County.

Showers and thunderstorms will develop today and be numerous this afternoon into early this evening. A few of these thunderstorms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall. Widespread rainfall amounts of one to two inches can be expected in the Interstate 95 corridor through this evening. However, a band of heavier rainfall, producing rainfall in excess of two inches in just a couple of hours, will be possible.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. Residents should monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

If there is any possibility of a flash flood:
-- Move immediately to higher ground.
-- Do not wait for instructions to move.
-- Be aware of streams, drainage channels and other areas known to flood suddenly. –
-- Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

Based on the forecast from the National Weather Service, Fairfax County residents could experience minor roadway flooding in the Huntington area and isolated localized roadway flooding in the Belle View/New Alexandria areas. At this time, no structural flooding in either Huntington or Belle View/New Alexandria is anticipated, based on the current forecast of 1-2 inches of rainfall.

Residents across the county who live in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Residents in such area may want to take certain precautionary actions, such as moving vehicles to higher ground and moving items out of basements.

County public works, emergency management and public safety personnel are monitoring the weather and will continue to do so through the evening and overnight and will alert residents should any additional information become available or actions necessary.

Please note that with all high intensity rainfall, street flooding is possible. Secondary roadways may become impassable due to heavy rain and localized flooding. Motorists are reminded that if you find yourself driving in potential flash flood conditions, never drive through standing water on a roadway. Water may be much deeper than you think, causing your car to stall or even get stuck in hidden debris.