First Day of Winter Comes with High Wind Alert

The Mayan calendar predicted the end of the world Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. But instead, the world made it to 12:01 a.m. and all is the same — except the weather it seems. Dec. 21 is the official first day of winter.

With the gusty winds outside, the start of winter is holding no punches. The high wind will continue into the weekend. With that in mind, the National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory for Friday morning through Saturday afternoon.

High winds can bring down trees, power lines, signs and other objects that are not secure — including holiday decorations, so Fairfax County suggests taking some time Friday to secure decorations and other objects that can potentially turn into dangerous projectiles.

Fairfax County provides a few more tips on what to do during high winds:

• Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches and objects in your yard, patio or balcony that could blow away.
• Strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for those driving high profile vehicles and anyone driving across bridges and overpasses. If you’re driving, maintain a firm grip on the wheel and keep a safe distance between vehicles.
• If you see a downed power line, call 9-1-1 and also report the downed line(s) to your local utility provider. Do not try to free lines or remove debris yourself.
• Make sure you have some extra batteries on hand and are prepared in case of power outages. Be sure to report outages to your provider.

For more information, visit the Fairfax County Emergency Blog.

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