(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]
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.”
Updated 4:25 p.m. — Alexandria is also experiencing widespread power outages, with an estimated 4,928 residents in the area currently without power.
Alexandria is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 7 p.m., as a strong storm is bearing down on the area.
Alexandria is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, as a strong storm bears down on the area.
From the National Weather Service:
Updated 1:30 p.m. — A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Alexandria.
The National Weather Service issued the warning for Alexandria and an alert from the city advising those in the area to seek indoor shelter immediately.
More than 3,750 Dominion customers in Alexandria are in the dark after a stormy Halloween night.
Windy weather may have contributed to the outages, which are concentrated in the West End and along Duke Street.
A Tornado Watch has been issued for Alexandria and the D.C. region, with severe storms expected near the tail end of tonight’s trick-or-treating.
Alexandria has no official trick-or-treating time, but traditionally little ghouls and goblins prowl the streets in search of free candy between about 6-8 p.m. Forecasters warn that a line of storms packing rain and gusty winds will reach Alexandria around 9 p.m.
