High Wind, Fire Watch Tonight and Tomorrow

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch tonight and late into tomorrow and a fire weather watch watch all day tomorrow.

High winds will begin this evening with the strongest winds between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Wind gusts up to 60 mph will be possible. 

A fire weather watch means that critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur, in this case, high winds, low humidity and dry conditions.

Fairfax residents should be concerned about the impacts from very high winds across the National Capital Region. Downed trees and large limbs are possible. Residents may want to ensure that outdoor furniture and other items outside homes and businesses are properly secured or moved inside. Bring in unsecured objects from patios and balconies and secure outdoor objects such as lawn furniture or garbage cans that could blow away and cause damage or injury. 

Secure windows and brace outside doors. 

Also, if driving, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down. Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path. Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel. Take extra care in high-profile vehicles such as a truck, van, SUV, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts. 

If you are caught outside during high winds, take cover next to a building or under a secure shelter. Stand clear of roadways or train tracks as a gust may blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Use handrails where available, and avoid elevated areas such as roofs.