Falls Church City Under Local Emergency

The City of Falls Church is under a local emergency in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy.

City officials are viewing the storm track this evening and have not decided if any government or other offices and services will be closed Monday. Falls Church City Public Schools is the only closures known at this time in the city.

Wyatt Shields, city manager, signed the declaration around 4 p.m. Sunday. In a written statement, Shields said the hurricane hybrid storm is projected to bring heavy rain and heavy winds to the city between Sunday evening and Tuesday. He said between five and 10 inches of rain is expected in the area, which could cause some flooding.

Shields said city residents should expect tree damage and widespread power outages.

Emergency responders are prepared and ready for the storm’s arrival and the city has also suggested some tips to follow during the storm.

In the event of tree damage or power outages, residents should call one of the following numbers:

• Power outages: Dominion Virginia Power, 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)

• Downed trees, power lines and traffic light outages: Police Dispatch, 703-248-5053 (Stay away from downed lines)