Update at 1:45 p.m. — Alexandria City Public Schools has canceled all afternoon and evening activities. According to ACPS:
Due to the inclement weather forecast for our region, all afternoon and evening activities scheduled at Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) facilities are canceled at this time.
This cancellation applies to all programming provided by community organizations or the City of Alexandria in ACPS facilities or on school grounds, as well as any ACPS athletic, band or other extracurricular activities or community events. Families may want to check with their community service provider to get an update on their changes in operations due to the expected inclement weather. Schools will send information to families regarding any make-up days or new event dates.
This cancellation does not include any polling locations (located in or connected to schools) related to the special-called School Board elections that are occurring today.
The release noted that ACPS will also be monitoring weather and power outages throughout the night to determine whether schools will open tomorrow.
Earlier: If they haven’t already, anyone living or working within a few blocks of the waterfront might want to get the sandbags ready because the National Weather Service said flooding is inbound.
The National Weather Service put out a Coastal Flood Warning for Alexandria in effect from 4-10 p.m. with the area experiencing hazardous weather conditions.
“For the Coastal Flood Advisory, up to one half foot of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas due to tidal flooding,” the warning said. “For the Coastal Flood Warning, one to two feet of inundation above ground level expected in low-lying areas due to tidal flooding.”
Sandbags are being distributed for Alexandria residents and businesses at 133 S. Quaker Lane. Proof of address is required to receive sandbags and there’s a limit of five per address.
A Flood Watch is in effect through Wednesday morning for Alexandria and other nearby localities. The National Weather Service warning says 1.5-3 inches of rain is expected, with amounts of up to 4 or 5 inches possible.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks and streams as well as urban areas and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the National Weather Service warned.
A High Wind Warning is also in effect until 1 a.m. on Wednesday morning, with winds of 25-40 mph expected and gusts up to 60 mph. The National Weather Service warned that damaging winds could cause power outages and knock over trees.
“Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,” the National Weather Service warned. “Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”