After reaching a high water mark around 3:30 p.m. at high tide — with some help from the rainfall — waters are starting to recede for now in Old Town.
Today, a combination of rains and coastal flooding brought the Potomac up to 5.99 feet, making today a “moderate flood” by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) standards. The record high is 8.7 feet from Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The National Weather Service warned that more flooding is anticipated at high tide around 4 a.m. tomorrow morning (Saturday), though it’s not forecast to get quite as high as water levels were this afternoon.
Just because the wind and rain may be letting up where you are, those along the tidal Potomac and western shore of the Chesapeake need to be aware that another round of coastal flooding is imminent later tonight. For the latest tidal flood forecasts: https://t.co/67Ghq24LYF pic.twitter.com/OlUWFP1oag
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) October 29, 2021
Strand Street and parts of Union Street were closed for much of the afternoon as locals gawked at the high water levels or tried to assist business owners in sandbagging the street-facing retail. The coastal flood warning is in effect until 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday).
Keith Harmon, a local canoeing through the flood, said this wasn’t the first time he’s been able to paddle his vessel along Alexandria streets.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve taken the canoe out on the road in Old Town,” Harmon said. “This is the second time for me. The last time was about four years ago.”
Plans for flooding prevention in the blocks most heavily affected today were presented earlier this month to the city’s Waterfront Commission Flood Mitigation Committee, but were dismissed as too costly and would likely have done little to stop “overtopping” as was seen today along the Potomac.
https://twitter.com/patpend/status/1454183498114375694
High tide in Old Town Alexandria. Substantial flooding we’ve not seen since hurricane Isabel in 2003. pic.twitter.com/NyvPd0P5d9
— Alex & Wendy (@OldTownHome) October 29, 2021
James Cullum and Vernon Miles contributed to this story
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This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

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In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
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Mark your calendars and join us for the Family Fun Fall Fest on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 11am – 2pm!
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Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.