Local Emergency Declared After Flooding In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Acting City Manager Cindy Mester declared a local emergency for the City of Falls Church, effective 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 8, when heavy rain within a short time frame caused flash flooding. The local emergency in effect until rescinded.

A statement from the city reads, "This declaration activates the City Emergency Operations Plan and authorizes the provision of aid and assistance as prescribed by State law and City Code and the ordinances, resolutions and approved plans of the City of Falls Church, in order to mitigate the effects of the weather event."

The city is also waiving fees for bulk collections scheduled on Wednesday, July 17. Special collections must be scheduled by calling Solid Waste Hotline at 703-248-5160 and choosing option 1. The deadline to request a pickup is noon on Tuesday, July 16. Bulk items that can be picked up without fees include furniture, household appliances, rugs and other items too large or heavy to fit into trash containers.

Monday's storm caused flooding on roads and in homes, According to the National Weather Service, a trained spotter observed 3.35 inches of rain in Falls Church following the storm.

Forecasters are calling for another round of heavy rain in a short period of time. A flash flood watch is in effect through late Thursday in Falls Church. "Torrential rainfall may lead to totals exceeding 2 inches in a short period of time," says the NWS. "Isolated locations may receive 3 or 4 inches. This may cause flash flooding of small streams and other poor drainage urban areas."