(Updated 3:45 p.m.) Alexandria and the surrounding localities are under a severe thunderstorm and flood warning.
Residents are advised to seek shelter immediately and avoid driving through water on roadways. More than half of all flood-related deaths happen when someone drives through flood waters, according to Consumer Reports.
In what’s turning out to be the wettest week of the year, Alexandria is once again under a Flash Flood Warning. The warning is in effect until 12:15 p.m.
NWS warns that thunderstorms may produce life-threatening flash flooding.
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]
Get ready for more serious weather, as the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch in Alexandria. The advisory is in effect until 2 p.m. Friday.
Humid conditions will result in showers and scattered thunderstorms in the evening hours, the National Weather Service tweeted.
Scott Shaw named Chamber’s 2021 Business Leader of the Year — “For the last six years, he has served as a partner of Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP). ARP operates nine restaurants including The Majestic and Theismann’s Restaurant… Outside of the restaurant industry, Shaw established Founders Hall and co-founded ALX Community. His community involvement includes serving as Chair of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership. In this position… In 2017, Shaw founded the Tall Ship Providence Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving Alexandria’s rich maritime history through educational programs and entertainment.” [Zebra]
Rep. Beyer says he’s working on securing stormwater management funding for Alexandria — “I’m also working to secure more federal funding for storm and sewer projects in ALX in upcoming infrastructure legislation.” [Twitter]
Danielle Reynolds has actually gotten therapy because of the summer flooding of her Del Ray basement. The family is stuck in a quandary, as moving away isn’t affordable, but neither is spending tens of thousands to continually redo their basement.
“I’ve sought therapy to deal with this, because you can’t move away,” Reynolds told ALXnow. “You can’t afford to buy another house in the area, you love where you live, your kids are friends with all the kids in the neighborhood. You just feel really stuck, and unfortunately there’s not a whole lot that I can do.”
With topical storms headed toward Alexandria, the National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch and a Flash Flood Watch that will be in effect until tonight.
The Tornado Watch is currently in effect until 8 p.m. The Flash Flood Watch comes after Sunday morning’s flooding that swept through familiar areas that have experienced significant stormwater issues for years. It is in effect until 10 p.m.
Elliot In The Morning features local pastry chef — “Holy cow! This morning was a crazy, pleasant surprise! Thanks @eitmonline for the shout-out and air time. Look forward to seeing you next week with some pignolis and more! Link in bio for my on-air appearance.” [Facebook]
Deadline extended to Aug. 20 to nominate Chamber ALX Best in Business Award — “Each year The Chamber ALX honors businesses for their significant role in driving the Alexandria business community and economic growth. Winners will be announced, in person, at The Chamber ALX’s Best in Business Awards on October 20th.” [Chamber ALX]
Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne is fed up and says the city’s stormwater management is a disaster. On Sunday, Lawhorne said he was helping a neighbor in Del Ray pump water out of his basement until 4 a.m.
“It’s the same summer repeated over and over again,” Lawhorne told ALXnow. “I’ve got basement damage and my shed in the back is destroyed. Whenever we get a big storm you’ll see two-to-three feet of water rushing into the back alley and our house gets engulfed with floodwater. It’s not sanitary.”
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]
(Updated 7:15 p.m.) The Alexandria Fire Department responded to 21 weather-related calls for service in the massive thunderstorm early Sunday morning, including three rescues that saved several people.
Two of the rescues were in Alexandria — one vehicle on N. Quaker Lane and a stalled vehicle on the George Washington Memorial Parkway, AFD senior public information officer Raytevia Evans told ALXnow.
