Good Monday morning, Alexandria!
☔ Today’s weather: Passing showers. Overcast. Mild. High of 66 and low of 53.
☔ Tomorrow: Rain. Cloudy. Mild. High of 71 and low of 57. Sunrise at 6:01 am and sunset at 8:07 pm.
🚨 You need to know
After eight months, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority reopened it’s yellow line on Sunday. The line has been out of service since September to allow work on the Potomac River tunnel and bridge.
“The work included replacing over 1,000 individual steel plates held together by more than 12,000 bolts in the tunnel and replacing 88 bearings on the bridge,” according to WMATA. “The project also upgraded the fire suppression system on the 3,000-foot bridge and removed and replaced miles of critical communications cables used by multiple regional partners.”
📈 Friday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for May 5, 2023.
- Giant Food on Duke Street adapts to shoplifting increase by locking one of its front doors (858 views)
- Notes: APD ‘determined’ to reduce crime near Braddock Road Metro after more shots fired (829 views)
- ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria (798 views)
- Just Listed in Alexandria | ALXnow (129 views)
🗞 Other local coverage
- Yellow Line Roars Back into Alexandria Sunday Morning, May 7, after an Eight-Month Closure
Zebra (Sunday @ 1:21 pm)
- Diapers Needed: Start a Drive in Alexandria To Help HomeAid National Capital Region
Zebra (Saturday @ 12:54 pm)
- New Old Town Location for Alexandria’s Zen Press — Same Hospitality, Delicious, Nutritious Food and Juice Options
Zebra (Saturday @ 9:07 am)
- Theogony Editor Staff at Alexandria City Public High School has Been Announced!
Zebra (Friday @ 7:59 pm)
- Sewer Overflow Affects Stream In Alexandria
Patch (Friday @ 3:49 pm)
- DASH Bus Lines To Serve New Potomac Yard Metro Station
Patch (Friday @ 3:22 pm)
- “Happy to Learn This Was a Drill” Says A Lady in Alexandria about the Dummy Hanging Off Woodrow Wilson Bridge on Monday, May 1
Zebra (Friday @ 1:49 pm)
- Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee to Open Soon
Alexandria Living (Friday @ 11:42 am)
- Free Concerts Start June 4 at Fort Hunt Park
Alexandria Living (Friday @ 10:55 am)
- Melanie Kay-Wyatt Named Permanent Alexandria Schools Superintendent
Patch (Friday @ 10:39 am)
- Charlene’s Kitchen: Alexandrians’ ‘Go To’ for Catering, Events
Alexandria Living (Friday @ 10:20 am)
- Old Town Alexandria Home Dating Back To 1830 Has Patio With Brick Wall
Patch (Friday @ 9:59 am)
- How Blackwall Hitch Is Leading Alexandria Waterfront’s Culinary Resurgence
Alexandria Living (Friday @ 9:45 am)
- Mount Vernon: Revolutionary War Weekend May 6, 7
Alexandria Living (Friday @ 9:29 am)
- Samy Seeks Home with a Friend
Alexandria Living (Friday @ 7:41 am)
- About Alexandria with Mark Eaton: Staggering forward
Alexandria Times (Friday @ 7:41 am)
- Your View: We needed a Metro bond referrendum
Alexandria Times (Friday @ 7:34 am)
- Your View: Decongest Duke Street sensibly
Alexandria Times (Friday @ 7:30 am)
- Our View: Not ‘Poetry in Motion’
Alexandria Times (Friday @ 7:27 am)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
Good Friday morning, Alexandria!
🌥 Today’s weather: Cloudy. Mild. High of 69 and low of 51.
🌥 Tomorrow: Cloudy. Mild. High of 72 and low of 52. Sunrise at 6:05 am and sunset at 8:04 pm.
🚨 You need to know
More gunfire was reported near the Braddock Road Metro station yesterday afternoon, prompting the Alexandria Police Department to tweet that it’s “determined” to solve recent crime issues.
“APD has taken action by installing cameras and increasing police presence in the area to ensure everyone’s safety,” APD tweeted. “No one has been hurt, but we’re determined to prevent any potential harm by keeping a police presence there until we resolve this violence.”
Thursday’s incident occurred in the same block as a number of recent shootings. The city is experiencing a crime surge, and police are fighting it by increasing patrols in high-crime areas, installing mobile camera units and hosting community events.
We care about your safety and appreciate the communities cooperation to help resolve this issue.
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) May 5, 2023
We had such a great time on Monday at Coffee with a Cop that we are planning three more this month! We hope to see you there!
May 9, 2023 – Monarch 800-930 540 N Henry St.
May 16, 2023 – Bradlee 800-930 3690 King St.
May 23, 2023 – Van Dorn 800-0930 5782 Dow Ave. pic.twitter.com/lN1MfBBuwi— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) May 2, 2023
📈 Thursday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for May 4, 2023.
- JUST IN: Police investigating shots fired incident near Braddock Road Metro station (1834 views)
- Fundraiser established for family of the ACHS student who died this week (1203 views)
- Notes: Alexandria driver killed in hit-and-run in D.C. | ALXnow (727 views)
- JUST IN: Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced as Alexandria City Public Schools superintendent (516 views)
🗞 Other local coverage
- Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt is the New Permanent Superintendent for Alexandria City Public Schools
Zebra (Thursday @ 10:25 pm)
- Interim Schools Superintendent Becomes Permanent in Alexandria
Alexandria Living (Thursday @ 7:48 pm)
- Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced as new ACPS Superintendent
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 7:45 pm)
- Good Food for a Good Cause: ALIVE! Hosting Alexandria Community Cookouts This Month
Zebra (Thursday @ 6:17 pm)
- Do it yourself: Four project ideas to bring new life to your home
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 6:09 pm)
- Alexandria City School Board – Public Hearing- Budget
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 5:31 pm)
- Board of Architectural Review – Public Hearing
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 5:29 pm)
- AT&T – Public Notice
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 5:28 pm)
- DASH To Re-Route Some Lines To Serve Potomac Yard Metro Station in Alexandria
Zebra (Thursday @ 5:28 pm)
- Alexandria City School Board-Public Hearing
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 5:27 pm)
- No Alexandria Primary Election Scheduled In 2023
Patch (Thursday @ 4:33 pm)
- ACHS student receives Narcan
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 3:52 pm)
- Pets: Dog walking dangers: Avoid injuries and accidents by following these steps
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 3:41 pm)
- Reunion results
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 3:33 pm)
- After school registration for 2023-2024
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 3:29 pm)
- Taste Of Del Ray Returns To One Location In 2023
Patch (Thursday @ 3:24 pm)
- Record breaking fundraiser
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 3:23 pm)
- Minor arrested for carjacking
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 3:19 pm)
- Bus lanes on Duke Street?
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 2:44 pm)
- Alexandria Celebrates Cinco de Mayo
Alexandria Living (Thursday @ 1:00 pm)
- Most Popular Brunch Spots In U.S. Include 5 NoVA Restaurants
Patch (Thursday @ 12:56 pm)
- Unanimous Vote: Alexandria City Council Approves FY 2024 Budget
Zebra (Thursday @ 11:59 am)
- Del Ray Central Apartment Building Sells for $52 Million
Zebra (Thursday @ 11:30 am)
- Crash conviction and sentence
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 11:28 am)
- Same Real Estate Tax Rate Approved In Alexandria City Budget
Patch (Thursday @ 10:23 am)
- ACHS student receives Narcan
Alexandria Times (Thursday @ 9:16 am)
- Jula’s on the Potomac Plans June Opening
Alexandria Living (Thursday @ 7:43 am)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today and this weekend in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- 8:00 am Saturday: Riverside Gardens Neighborhood Yard Sale
- 10:00 am Saturday: Lost Buildings in Alexandria
- 11:00 am Saturday: Old Town Alexandria Art Show & Craft Spring Fair ~ Mother’s Day Celebration
- 👉 5:15 pm Saturday: Beethoven, Brews, and BBQ
- 👉 7:00 pm Saturday: 2023 Alexandria Scottish Rite Friends & Family Charity Event

The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Watch for Alexandria, Arlington and D.C.
The Coastal Flood Watch will go into effect from midnight to 7 a.m. on Saturday (April 29).
NWS forecasts a 100% chance of rain Friday night, and says to expect up to one foot of “inundation above ground level” in low-lying areas due to tidal flooding. The weather service predicts a 60% chance of rain after 2 p.m. Saturday, and an 80% chance of rain all day Sunday.
“Water is expected to approach buildings near King Street and Union Street (in Old Town),” NWS said in the advisory. “Tides two-and-a-half feet above normal (are expected).”
Alexandria’s Potomac River waterfront in Old Town is prone to flooding, and high tide is at around 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.
“If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed,” NWS advised. “Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.”
Seasonable conditions are expected today, but a soaking rain will arrive late tonight into Friday. More unsettled conditions will continue through the weekend. pic.twitter.com/1xG5aAWGb9
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 27, 2023
While most of the day will be dry, a slow moving cold front pushes through this afternoon & evening. Expect scattered showers with a rumble of thunder also possible. Eventually a pair of systems are set to impact the area late Thu-Fri & late this weekend. #MDwx #DCwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/GAJiJwD7o2
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 26, 2023

Alexandria is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
According to NWS:
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 10 p.m. A few storms may be severe with damaging wind gusts and large hail.
Forecasters predict that this week’s warm weather is on its way out. NWS anticipates freezing temperatures returning in the overnight and early morning hours of Saturday night through Monday morning.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for areas along & east of the Blue Ridge through 10 pm EDT. Primary threats include scattered gusts up to 70 mph along with isolated large hail. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/Oi40DcLAwg
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 6, 2023
Shower and storm coverage will increase later this afternoon and evening especially in areas along and east of the Blue Ridge. Damaging winds and hail will be possible with storms that form between 3-9pm. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx https://t.co/0RGf8fkT4A
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 6, 2023
A cold front pushes toward the area later this afternoon into early evening. With the front comes the increased risk for severe storms mainly in areas along & east of I-95. Primary threats with any storms that form include damaging winds & large hail. #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/YqptrdyvMo
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 6, 2023
It’s a beautiful spring morning in Alexandria!
Today’s weather: Mostly sunny with a high of 72 degrees during the day, and cloudy with a low of 56 degrees tonight.
🚨 You need to know
Alexandria has been named one of the best places to visit, Patch first reported.
Money Magazine listed the city as a top destination, and called the city a “lux jumping-off point for D.C.-area visits.“
According to Money Magazine:
Along the King Street Mile in Old Town, you’ll find charming cobblestone streets lined with lanterns, outdoor cafes, Instagram-worthy murals and trendy bars. There’s also a vibrant art community — explore the many galleries or peek in at artists at work at the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Other local coverage
- Custodian ‘Heart And Soul’ Of Alexandria Schools For 42 Years
Patch (Friday at 12;57 p.m.) - PHOTOS: 180 Alexandria Schoolkids Play to Sell-Out Crowd in Annual ‘Night of Stars’ Talent Show
Zebra (Monday @ 10 a.m.) - The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar is coming to Alexandria VA this Summer
Zebra (Sunday at 2 p.m.) - Foody Newz To Look Forward to In Alexandria This April 2023
Zebra (Monday @ 8 a.m.) - Del Ray Farmers’ Market Announces Monthly Kids’ Club
Zebra (Monday at 8 a.m.)
Tweets of note
#Spring is in full bloom and so are the cherry blossoms. Now until April 16 enjoy a direct water taxi from Old Town to The Wharf development in Washington D.C. to see the blossoms in all their glory. Learn more from @AlexandriaVA: https://t.co/Xpk5SeJ5Du #ALXVActivities pic.twitter.com/L0JVFvabEQ
— AlexandriaVAGov (@AlexandriaVAGov) April 2, 2023
On this date in 1928, Alexandria legend Earl Lloyd was born. He is best remembered for breaking the NBA color barrier. We remember and honor Lloyd's legacy every day, but especially on his birthday. #ACPSBlackHistory #ACPSLegends pic.twitter.com/dFCTKJkee3
— Alexandria City Public Schools (@ACPSk12) April 3, 2023
Watch out, there are some strong winds around Alexandria and the surrounding localities.
Gusty winds are expected to persist throughout the day an into the overnight hours Wednesday. With gusts of up to 50 mph, downed trees and power outages are possible.
More from the National Weather Service:
523 AM EDT Tue Mar 14 2023
…WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 2 AM EDT WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia.
* WHEN…From 9 AM this morning to 2 AM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) says drivers heading out for the holidays should consider starting a little early, with heavy storms likely to affect travel over the next few days.
In an alert, VDOT said today is the best day to travel, given the forecast.
“Drivers should expect roads to be impacted Thursday and Friday,” VDOT said. “Today will be the best day for holiday travel. Adjust travel plans and avoid all nonessential travel during the height of the storm. This helps to avoid deteriorating conditions and to allow crews room to work.”
VDOT said crews are already pretreating and brining roads, with trucks deployed early Thursday morning to treat roads as needed.
According to the release:
Please continue to monitor forecasts closely as forecasts can improve or worsen quickly. The National Weather Service forecast shows winter weather will impact the region from overnight Wednesday through Friday. The forecast shows the potential for periods of freezing rain and sleet, as well as below-freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and high winds. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for western Loudoun County starting at 4 a.m. Thursday.
Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued an areal flood watch for Alexandria, advising locals not to drive through water on roadways and to avoid small streams.

A 60% chance of rain might dampen this Saturday’s Art On The Avenue festival in Del Ray, but at least it’s not a hurricane.
Art On The Avenue was supposed to be held on Saturday, October 1, but was postponed due as the remnants of Hurricane Ian battered the East Coast. It was a good decision, since the entire weekend ended up being cold, wet and dreary in Alexandria.
“Postponing an event like this is very difficult,” said festival organizer Pat Miller. “We lost a few artists and we gained a few artists. The food is the same, some of the programming is a little different, but none of the musical acts dropped out.”
Art On The Avenue is historically the biggest day of the year in Del Ray, drawing tens of thousands to Mount Vernon Avenue to check out art from more than 350 artists.
Postponing the event also put some local restaurants in a bind. Del Ray Pizzeria made too much dough, and later sold out after making an appeal to its customers.
The event will not likely be postponed again, in the event of bad weather, Miller said.
“It gets to bee too cold,” Miller said. “That’s tough for a lot of artists and it’s tough for their art.”
The 2020 festival was virtual due to the pandemic, and last year’s event had perfect weather, but an unforced power outage prompted businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue to be shut down.

It’s a change that likely won’t go noticed by many Alexandrians, but the city is making an adjustment to its manholes that could have an impact on flooding during storms.
According to Flood Action Alexandria — an ongoing newsletter highlighting flooding issues and mitigation measures in Alexandria — the City of Alexandria is working on finding a contractor to install 870 stainless steel manhole inserts around the city.
“Manhole inserts are pan-shaped devices that sit at the top of the manhole, directly underneath the manhole cover,” the newsletter said. “They prevent stormwater inflow from gushing to the sanitary sewer after it enters the hole in the manhole cover.”
The inserts have a hole that slowly trains accumulated stormwater after the storm ends. The idea is to reduce inflow into the sanitary sewer system, which often becomes backed up during storms and contributes to flooding.
A map of where the manhole inserts will be located is shared online.
The newsletter also shared some updates on other flooding projects. The combined Commonwealth and East Glebe Road and Ashby and East Glebe Road project — which will increase the capacity of the storm sewer system — is in contract negotiations with an engineering firm ahead of moving into the design phase.
Two spot improvements, one at Oakland Terrace Timber Branch and another on Mount Vernon Avenue, are entering the construction phase.
Thousands of art lovers will have to set aside their plans this weekend, as Del Ray’s annual Art On The Avenue has been postponed due to Tropical Storm Ian.
Ian battered Florida with intensity that is now petering out and working its way up the East Coast. For Alexandria, there is 70% likelihood of rain this Saturday, and event organizers have decided not to chance a washout.
The festival will now be held on Saturday, November 12.
This is the third year in a row that Art On The Avenue has taken a hit. The 2020 festival was virtual due to the pandemic, and last year’s event was attended by thousands of people, but an unforced power outage prompted businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue to be shut down.