The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in Stafford County on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The tornado was part of the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby as it moved through the area.
The tornado, classified as an EF-1, struck the Glendie area of Poplar Road near Route 17. It traveled seven miles with winds reaching up to 90 mph. The tornado was on the ground from 7:49 to 8:01 p.m. No injuries were reported.
Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Fredericksburg Fire Department successfully rescued two kayakers from the Rappahannock River on Friday night, August 9, 2024. Despite strong currents and challenging conditions, both kayakers were safely brought to shore without injury. A Stafford County fire and rescue spokeswoman said the two were both adult women.
Press release:
Drivers on Kings Highway may wonder what happened to the long-standing sign for Fredericksburg Motor Sports.
On Aug. 9, a male driver in a pick-up truck attempted to turn right into the entrance between Sheetz and Burger King. Stafford County Sheriff’s office said the vehicle was traveling too fast, and struck the sign. The driver sustained minor injuries, and no other vehicles were involved. Both fire and police responded to the scene within minutes.
Press release:
On August 9-11 and August 16-18, the 1989 dark comedy Heathers comes to life onstage at Castaways Theatre with Heathers: The Musical, featuring a talent-stacked cast of performers from across the DMV.
“The fall 2024 opening date for the 95 Express Lanes Opitz Boulevard ramp was communicated to stakeholders in an update sent earlier this summer and reflects the contractor’s current schedule,” said Jacqueline Woodbridge, a spokeswoman for Transurban. She noted that the delay resulted from a shift in the contractor’s schedule, which can be affected by various factors, including weather conditions.
Potomac Local News has received emails from frustrated drivers who live near the work zone.
Prince William County Schools hosted a back-to-school event on Saturday, Aug. 3 with thousands of attendees.
Families, staff, students and volunteers gathered at Unity Reed High School to kick-off the start of the school year in the annual event. Thousands of attendees enjoyed various food vendors, music, games and activities during the event, including a hockey experience, fire preparedness, moon bounces and jump rope stations.
Prince William County’s Office of Community Safety (OCS) announced a series of listening sessions starting on Aug. 26.
Throughout the fall, OCS will host 1.5 hour-long listening sessions on a variety of safety topics, including pedestrian safety and mental health. All will be held on a Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Manassas Park, the youngest city in Northern Virginia, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with events and activities beginning on July 1, 2024. The town, which declared independence from Prince William County in 1957 and itself a city in 1975, has planned various events throughout the year to mark this milestone.
City Council member Laura Hampton highlighted the city’s historical significance: “Manassas Park was primarily built for returning World War II veterans. The city has always been revolutionary, even when we were a town.”
