Tropical Storm Ian is forecasted to bring wind and rain to Northern Virginia and the Sterling area from Friday, September 30th through Monday, October 3rd. Current forecasts from the National Weather Service call for winds in excess of 40 mph and rainfall in excess of 2 inches in our area.
Power outages and some tree damage could occur. Trees will be more easily downed given the ground will be soaked by heavy rain.
Heavy rainfall is another dangerous threat from the Carolinas into Virginia and the Appalachians. The forecast for Central South Carolina, North Carolina and southern Virginia is 3 to 6 inches, with locally rains up to 8 inches. The rainfall forecast in our area is less but could exceed 2 inches.
Sterling residents should take appropriate precautions. Please visit the Safety page in the Community section of our web site and see the recommendations for preparedness in the Severe Weather and Fire Safety article. You can also access the article by clicking Severe Weather and Fire Safety