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Morning Notes

Published August 20, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated August 20, 2021 at 1:14PM

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]

News

Flash Flood Watch in effect for Alexandria until Friday afternoon

By James Cullum

Published August 19, 2021 at 4:15PM

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.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 19, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated August 19, 2021 at 10:33PM

Kids playing at Four Mile Run Park in Arlandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

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]

News

Stuck in quandary, Del Ray flooding victim seeks therapy

By James Cullum

Published August 18, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated August 18, 2021 at 9:15PM

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.”

News

Tornado and Flash Flood Watches in effect in Alexandria until tonight

By James Cullum

Published August 18, 2021 at 12:55PM

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.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 18, 2021 at 5:00AM

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]

News

As Alexandria looks to accelerate stormwater projects, Sheriff gives city manager a D-

By James Cullum

Published August 17, 2021 at 10:55AM | Updated August 17, 2021 at 11:36AM

Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne in the alley behind his house after flooding in Del Ray. (Courtesy photo)

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.”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 17, 2021 at 5:00AM

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]

News

Alexandria Fire Department rescued several people Sunday, weekly forecast looks stormy

By James Cullum

Published August 16, 2021 at 6:25PM | Updated August 16, 2021 at 11:08PM

(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.

News

Flash Flood Warning issued in Alexandria until 8:15 p.m.

By James Cullum

Published August 16, 2021 at 5:35PM

Furniture drying out after flooding in Del Ray after a massive storm on August 14, 2021. (via DrainALX/Twitter)

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 8:15 p.m. in Alexandria, just days after massive flooding throughout the city. A Flash Flood Watch was issued earlier today and was previously in effect until 3 p.m.

The National Weather Service warned of “Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.”

News

After rampant flooding over weekend, another Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published August 16, 2021 at 9:30AM | Updated August 16, 2021 at 3:18PM

Furniture drying out after flooding in Del Ray after a massive storm on August 14, 2021. (via DrainALX/Twitter)

(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.”