Alexandria could receive refugees from Afghanistan — “Currently, it is believed that many of the Afghan evacuees will settle in the U.S., including Alexandria, under Special Immigrant Visas, which are given to Iraqi or Afghan nationals who have been employed by the U.S. Armed Forces as a translator or interpreter, or has been employed by a contractor of the United States government overseas. SIVs are eligible for the same resettlement benefits as refugees for up to eight months after arrival. They arrive with legal permanent resident status and can apply for citizenship after five years.” [City of Alexandria]
Bishop Ireton grad chosen for Visa Black Scholar and Jobs Program — “Luke Pilot, an Alexandria resident who attended Bishop Ireton High School, is one of the 50 students selected for the program. Pilot is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.” [Patch]
Alexandria Symphony Orchestra changes performance selection next month — “The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) had planned to open the 2021-2022 Season by performing Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Alexandria Choral Society. It was announced earlier today that because of COVID-19 concerns, they have opted to perform the Fifth Symphony instead.” [Zebra]
Today’s weather — “Thunderstorms likely (during the day). Potential for severe thunderstorms. High 81F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch… Becoming partly cloudy after some evening rain. Potential for flooding rains. Low 62F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch.” [Weather.com]
New job: Bank teller in West End — “At Wells Fargo, we are looking for talented people who will put our customers at the center of everything we do. We are seeking candidates who embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired.” [Indeed]
Remnants of Hurricane Ida headed for Alexandria — “Tuesday will be cloudy with only reaching the mid-80s. Scattered thunderstorms will start Tuesday evening and will become more widespread into Wednesday dropping an estimated two to six inches of rain. Alexandria city officials will be handing out sandbags to residents Tuesday morning ahead of the storm.” [Alexandria Living]
City Hall lit blue for Opioid Awareness Day — “Wonder why City Hall was lit up last night? It’s lit up teal through September 1 in recognition of #InternationalOverdoseAwarenessDay! The City is also giving out free Narcan and fentanyl test strips–find out more at alexandriava.gov/123920.” [Twitter]
Old Town Festival of Speed and Style is this Sunday — “The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights all the things that make Old Town unique — history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style and energy. On Sunday, Sept. 5, view dozens of exotic cars on display in Old Town, centered on lower King Street.” [Alexandria Living]
Today’s weather — “Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds light and variable… Scattered thunderstorms during the evening becoming more widespread overnight. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%.” [Weather.com]
New job: Seasonal leaf collection — “An essential function of this position is the ability to perform a variety of manual labor tasks to include heavy lifting and bending, in adverse weather conditions.” [Indeed]
Booster shot preparations for adults made in Alexandria — “After a White House announcement that a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine could be available to adults as soon as Sept. 20, the City of Alexandria is preparing to administer the additional doses.” [Patch]
Efforts underway to educate public as city adjusts to marijuana legalization — “In order to spread awareness about the details of the bill and quell community concerns, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria worked with the governor’s office to release a “Top 10″ list for youth and adults that concretely explains the new measure’s rules and regulations.” [Alextimes]
Behind the scenes at ‘The Loft’ with Lena’s seasonal transformations — “When the theme at the Loft at Lena’s changes for the season, it’s a top to bottom change. New menus are developed, staff don new uniforms and even the lighting is completely redone. The loft closes down on Sunday and is closed for four days before reopening in time for Friday dinner. During that time it’s a 24/7 process that involves the whole team at Lena’s.” [Alexandria Living]
Median home prices to rise steadily in Northern Virginia — “The median price of sold homes will continue its upward trend across Northern Virginia, but the rise in prices will slow down in the coming months, according to a new report from the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University (GMU-CRA) and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR).” [Alexandria Living]
Today’s weather — “Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 79F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible… Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.” [Weather.com]
New job: Auto sales representative — “NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!! WE WILL TRAIN YOU!! OURISMAN CHRYSLER / JEEP / DODGE / RAM NEEDS SALESPEOPLE!!…..one of Virginia’s most respected automotive groups is offering an opportunity to join their automotive sales team” [Indeed]
Missing man found safe in West End — “Mr. Robert Johnson has been found. Thank you for helping get the word out.” [Twitter]
New Census data shows surge of Latino residents — “The last 10 years have marked a dramatic shift in the demographic makeup of the United States, with a marked shrinkage of the white population and the rapid growth of the Hispanic/Latino community, according to 2020 Census data. These changes were reflected in the City of Alexandria, where the share of the white population decreased by 3,001 people (-3.5 percent) since 2010, while the Hispanic/Latino population grew by 6,848 people (30.4 percent). The Asian population grew by 2,922 people (34.7 percent), and Black/African American population grew by 1,412 (4.6 percent).” [Patch]
VDOT reminds residents to turn on headlights while it’s raining — “The message is simple. If your wipers are on, turn your headlights on! It’s the bright thing to do!” [Twitter]
Today’s weather — “Scattered thunderstorms in the morning. Cloudy skies late. High 87F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%… Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers later at night. Low 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.” [Weather.com]
New job: Temporary bilingual COVID-19 vaccine promotor — “The Vaccine Promotor(a)/[Certified Vaccine Navigator (CVN); training provided for certification] will assist with Neighborhood Health’s efforts to increase access to COVID-19 vaccine distribution in its service area (Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax County) for Latinx communities most affected by the pandemic. The Vaccine Promotor(a)/CVN will engage with residents of underserved communities to provide education about COVID-19 and the importance of vaccination. The Promotor(a) will work with Neighborhood Health’s COVID-19 Outreach team to plan an overall outreach strategy and provide support to other vaccine-related activities.” [Indeed]
(Updated at 3:15 p.m.) Alexandria is under a Flash Flood Watch until 3 p.m. Monday (August 16), after areas of the city were hit by a massive rainstorm Saturday.
The National Weather Service reports that up to four inches may fall during the late morning and mid-afternoon, resulting in “rapid rises on streams and creeks and in urbanized and poor drainage areas.”
“Showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop just after daybreak Monday morning and persist through the first half of the afternoon,” NWS said. “The stronger thunderstorms may be capable of producing 2 to 4 inches of rain per hour.”
Saturday morning’s storm brought upward of five inches of rain in less than an hour, and many residents voiced their discontent on social media.
“We cannot continue to live this way,” a resident wrote on Nextdoor. “This is sham(e)less. Instead of doing your pet projects, get the shovels in the ground and get this poop fixed. How many times is enough? Apparently more than I can tolerate.”
Alexandria announced on Aug. 13, the day before the deluge, that it will accept applications for its new Flood Mitigation Pilot Grant Program on Monday, August 30. Property owner can get a 50% reimbursement (up to $5,000) for flood mitigation projects at their homes.
“Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis,” the city said in a release. “View a recorded virtual information session to learn more about the program.”
Alexandria dealt with multiple flooding events in the summer of 2019, and this year City Council doubled the stormwater management fee for residents to tackle backups throughout the city, most notably in Rosemont, Del Ray and Old Town. The City is also spending $1.9 million in flash flooding spot improvements throughout the city as part of its American Rescue Plan Act funding.
Mayor Justin Wilson advised residents to document the damage so that the city could direct resources to those areas of the city.
“For those who were impacted by overnight flooding and sewage backflow, please report your experiences to @AlexandriaVA311 so that we can ensure these incidents are documented,” Wilson tweeted. “Understanding the extent of the impact helps us direct resources. Stay safe.”
pics friends are sharing of the flooding in parts of Del Ray last night are CRAZY! #AlexandriaVA pic.twitter.com/JJSA7dtwNF
— AlexandriaVAmom (@AlexandriaVAMom) August 15, 2021
https://twitter.com/DCstorms/status/1426880417790054403
pics friends are sharing of the flooding in parts of Del Ray last night are CRAZY! #AlexandriaVA pic.twitter.com/JJSA7dtwNF
— AlexandriaVAmom (@AlexandriaVAMom) August 15, 2021
Crews were deployed during last night's flooding ⛈️ & cleanup continues.
Report street/sewer emergencies e.g. manholes to 311 or 703-746-4311. Use ‘after hours’ option at recording's end.
Property flooding, use Alex311 'Flooding Concerns and Inquires'. https://t.co/Wbj5WSsowA pic.twitter.com/8kiVvM5v6r— Alexandria T&ES (@AlexandriaVATES) August 15, 2021
— betsywhalen (@betsywhalen) August 15, 2021
What it looks like to have part of your life destroyed for the third time in two years. #DrainALX @RepDonBeyer @washingtonpost @AlexGazette @AlexTimesNews @AlexandriaNow @DelRayPatch @ZebraAlexandria pic.twitter.com/mIhZrhE3Fn
— DrainALX (@DrainALX) August 15, 2021
Police say no foul play suspected after body found in Four Mile Run Park — “Police activity in park behind 3900 block of Mt. Vernon has cleared. An adult male subject was found in the park. At this time, it does not appear to be suspicious. This is a Medical Examiner’s case.” [Twitter]
Fire Chief Smedley promotes staff — “In addition to promoting Lt. Sharpe and EMS Lt. Prodoehl, @SmedleyCorey promoted 18 other Lieutenants, EMS Lieutenants, and Captains. We’re celebrating the promotion of about 8% of our department. Congratulations to our new officers and thank you for everything you do!” [Twitter]
Ballyshaners to celebrate halfway point to St. Patrick’s Day — “On Saturday, September 18, from 11am-7pm, local Irish group The Ballyshaners welcome you to celebrate the halfway point to Saint Patrick’s Day.”
The Art League showcases the work of Bryan Sieling — “Enjoy collecting objects you’ve found? There is a new exhibit at The Art League Gallery on display through Sept.5 that takes collecting one step farther. Artist Bryan Sieling transforms objects into amazing works.” [Zebra]
Today’s weather — “Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High near 80F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%… Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.” [Weather.com]
New job: Full-time assistant store manager at Aldi — “When you join our team as an Assistant Store Manager, you’ll take on key store management responsibilities including assisting with supervising day-to-day store activities, ensuring overall store performance, managing schedules, and developing operational action plans while identifying training opportunities to develop and grow the team.” [Indeed]
Alexandria is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service issued the advisory at 2:12 p.m.
“Scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts and isolated large hail are possible,” NWS said. “Isolated instances of flash flooding are possible through early this evening.”
A heat advisory is also in effect until 8 p.m., as the heat index is showing temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, according to NWS.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued until 9 PM this evening for all areas east of the Allegheny Front. Damaging winds and large hail will be the primary threat for these storms. pic.twitter.com/CXqq3C1nP4
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 11, 2021
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. in Alexandria and the surrounding area.
Wind gusts could reach 60 miles per hour, and NWS is warning that the storm could cause trees and large branches to fall.
“This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles,” NWS said in the alert. “Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.”
NWS advises residents to move into an interior room on the lowest floor of a building, and to not drive.
“Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding,” NWS said. “Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Alexandria until Thursday night (October 29) as the remnants of Tropical Storm Zeta move through the region.
“Heavy rainfall from Zeta could lead to some flooding of small streams, creeks, and urban areas,” warned NWS. “Rain amounts of two- to-three inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible, especially in the metro areas.”
Alexandria was plagued by severe flooding after numerous rain events over the summer, prompting the City Council last month to ask for an update from staff on $750 million on stormwater management mitigation efforts.
According to NWS:
Scattered incidents of flooding due to heavy rain are possible. Clogged drains due to leaf debris may cause additional flooding concerns, especially in urban areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
- Do not enter or cross flowing water or water of unknown depth.
- Stay away or be swept away.
- River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe.
A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
https://twitter.com/patpend/status/1321833373459992578
Beyer Refutes Trump’s Claims of Media Spin Over Tax Payments — “No, ‘everyone else’ didn’t write off payments to their children and $70,000 for haircuts so they could live a lavish lifestyle while only paying $750 in taxes. Trump remains the only major party candidate for president in 40 years who refused to release his tax returns.” [Twitter]
ACPS Asks Community to Discuss Future Facilities Projects, School Sites — “As ACPS and the City start looking at the need to rebuild, replace, add to or modernize schools, fire stations, police facilities and more, local officials are asking for feedback on the Joint City-ACPS Facilities Master Plan.” [Alexandria Living]
Alexandria Chefs Compete on ‘Chopped’ Reality Show Tonight — “Alexandria chef-owner Mimi Huynh of modern Vietnamese restaurant Sunday in Saigon at 682 N. St. Asaph Street and chef Chris Edwards of newly opened Hank & Mitzi’s Italian Kitchen, located at 600 Montgomery Street, will appear on Food Network’s “Chopped” tomorrow night.” [Zebra]
Longtime Friends Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists — “When Aiden Crowe, Nikolai Kosinski and Caroline Winakur reached eighth grade at George Washington Middle School, their math ability was such that the trio were literally in a class of their own. Algebra 2 with Sarah Devito became a class of three as teachers sought to individualize learning in the subject area they all excelled at. They have remained good friends ever since. And earlier this month, the T.C. Williams High School seniors discovered they had all been named National Merit Scholarship semi finalists after outstanding results in the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test last October.” [ACPS]
Today’s Weather — “Rain showers in the morning then thundershowers in the afternoon. High 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rain likely (in the evening). Low 56F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Marketing Communications Specialist — “To be successful in this position, the Marketing Communications Specialist must demonstrate strong persuasive writing skills, strong digital layout design skills and be an overall expert in digital and social media marketing.” [Indeed]
