weather | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published August 25, 2021 at 5:00AM

Local school systems face bus driver shortages, but say they’re ready to roll — “ACPS recognizes there is a national shortage of school bus drivers, making it challenging to recruit and fill bus driver positions. ACPS has about 90% of our drivers available and 100% of bus monitor positions filled…” [Alexandria Living]

Alexandria recommends cooling centers during heatwave — “The next few days are going to be hot and humid. The City offers several locations as options to those without cooling in their homes, including rec centers and libraries, as well as assistance for adults 60+ and some low-income households. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/122602.” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 24, 2021 at 5:00AM

First ALX Fit Fair set for this Saturday — “ALX Fit Fair, a day of wellness and fitness in the Carlyle neighborhood, is set for this Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be opportunities from more than a dozen local gyms and fitness studios to participate in 30-minute workouts every hour during the event, with workouts ranging from yoga, pilates, dance, and gymnastics to more intense workouts like boxing and CrossFit.” [Alexandria Living]

Old Town Cocktail Week serves up creative libations next month — “A week-long celebration of all things involving cocktails will return for a second year to Old Town Alexandria. The Old Town Cocktail Week will be held Sept. 10 to 19…” [Patch]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 23, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated August 23, 2021 at 9:32AM

Participants of the Bands & Brews Summer Bar Crawl on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray on Saturday, August 22, 2021. (Via Elijah Walter Griffin, Sr.)

Noah Lyles places first and brother Josephus Lyles gets third in 200 meters at Prefontaine Classic — “He’s baaaccckk! @lylesnoah takes 1st with 19.52!”

Alexandria starts program to prevent opioid overdoses for former inmates — “The program is the first of its kind in Virginia and one of a few in the country. It is a collaboration between the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Community and Human Services.” [Zebra]

News

Flash Flood Warning in effect in Alexandria until Friday afternoon

By James Cullum

Published August 20, 2021 at 9:25AM

Road may flood sign (image via T&ES/Twitter)

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.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

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.”