(Updated at 4 p.m.) Flooding has been reported around Alexandria after a period of very heavy rain.
“Units and the water rescue team responded to multiple calls for water rescues in the Del Ray and Park Fairfax areas of Alexandria,” the local Alexandria firefighters union said on Twitter, shortly before 4 p.m.
(Updated 4:15 p.m.) After a week with two flood warnings, the city is reminding residents that a program is available for the city to cover half the costs for sewer backflow prevention — a source of much of the city’s flooding problems.
The Backflow Preventer (BFP) Assistance Program reimburses homeowners for up to 50% of the costs of installing a BFP device by a licensed plumbing contractor for up to a maximum of $2,000.
Flood concerns earlier this week connected with Tropical Storm Isaias ended up being a wash, but there’s a new round of flood warnings related to ongoing storms in Alexandria.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the City of Alexandria and some surrounding localities in effect until 8:45 p.m.
As Alexandria hunkers down for potentially heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Isaias, some local services have been suspended.
The northern entrance to the King Street Metro station will be closed.
The weather is expected to make a dramatic turn over the next few hours.
After some early preparation last night by the Alexandria Fire Department and other city agencies, yesterday’s Flood Watch has been upgraded by the National Weather Service to a Flood Warning for Alexandria and surrounding localities.
(Update 7:30 p.m.) A Flash Flood Watch in effect in Alexandria from 11 p.m. tonight until 11 p.m. Tuesday night.
“Plan for hazardous wind of equivalent tropical storm force,” warned NWS. “Remaining efforts to protect property should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for limited wind damage.”
(Updated at 2:30 a.m.) A Tropical Storm watch is in effect in Alexandria. The city is giving away sandbags as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches, but announced the location is temporarily closed.
“The sandbag pickup location at 133 S. Quaker Lane is temporarily closed while supplies are being replenished, and should reopen by approximately 4:30 p.m.” the city said in a news release. “Please do not wait at or near this location while it is closed.”
Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar Opens in Old Town — “Opening now daily (except Tuesdays) at 109 S. Alfred Street. Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar! Adopt a cat or two, telework, or just have a sandwich, salad or cup of coffee.” [Facebook]
City Advises Preparedness Before Tropical Storm Isaias Hits — “Our staff is working around the clock to ensure our community is ready for whatever Isaias might throw at us. Please stay alert and prepare for this dangerous storm.” [Facebook]
ACPS Releasing Decision on School Year Today — “n many ways, Friday’s announcement will be just the beginning. Once the Virginia Department of Education approves our proposal that we are required to submit by Aug. 14, our hard work continues as we begin to prepare for implementation of our reopening plan. The week of Aug. 14, we will be sharing schedules, curriculum and expectations for both staff and students. I understand that you need information to plan for your lives and I understand that school is central to that process. ” [ACPS]
COVID-19 Cases Increase by 20 — “Positive tests up 20 to 2,779 in the City; 7-day Positivity Rate down to 5.3%; 0 new hospitalizations; New testing event held; Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]
Alexandria is advising residents to file a claim for flood damage after the Alexandria’s sewer system was backed up by a rush of water 30 times greater than what the city can accommodate in an intense storm last Thursday (July 23).
The most impacted areas were Del Ray, Old Town and Park Fairfax, the latter of which had water reaching to the level of car windows, according to the Alexandria Times.
(Updated at 10 p.m.) The Alexandria Fire Department is responding to nearly a dozen calls throughout the city as it remains under a Flash Flood warning until 2:30 a.m.
“Right now we are on 11 different calls for public service for water-related emergencies,” Alexandria Deputy Fire Chief Brian Hricik told ALXnow.”It does not appear that any of them are people trapped in vehicles.”
