Downpour Wreaks Havoc on Reston

After two days of rain, it really started raining in Reston Thursday afternoon.

National Weather Service forecasters warned that two inches an hour could fall, and they were right. At about 2 p.m., heavy rain started, swelling creeks, overwhelming storm drains, and stalling traffic.

Weather Bug stations at several locations reported that 6.22 inches of rain fell in Reston by 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Office workers tweeted that their parking lots were underwater. Several schools let families know that afternoon buses might be delayed.

By about 3:30 p.m., Lawyers Road was blocked off, as was Hunter Mill Road, Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Road.

A flash flood warning remains in effect for Fairfax County through Thursday night.

At South Lakes High School, there were several roof leaks. There were also leaks reported at Terraset Elementary School, which is underground.

On North Shore, a tree fell on a South Lakes High School bus carrying special needs children. The driver and driver's aide were injured and taken away for medical treatment. No students were injured, Fairfax County Police said.

Police also said an officer was rescued when his car was stuck in high water on Walker Road in Great Falls.

The Fairfax Connector Park and Ride lot at Wiehle Avenue and Issac Newton Square was flooded by mid-afternoon.

The western end of Reston North Park and Ride, a VDOT-managed lot, is flooded with many cars completely submerged, according to Fairfax County. Flooding began around Issac Newton Square and got deeper westbound. Fairfax Connector routes 505, 595, 597 and 952 serve the lot.

Fairfax Connector buses were to be staged as mobile shelters at the eastern end of the lot to accommodate passengers who had experienced flooded cars. Fairfax Connector will also operate a shuttle between Reston North and the Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride.

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