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Libraries, Torpedo Factory and more close ahead of potential storm threat

As Alexandria braces for a storm possibly rolling into town, several services around the city are shutting down preemptively.

All Alexandria Library branches are closing at 4 p.m. today due to “expected severe weather,” according to the library website.

All recreation programs and pools have been closed as well since 3 p.m. The Torpedo Factory Art Center is closing at 4 p.m. today, according to the city website. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is also closing at 4 p.m. today.

Alexandria’s DASH bus network tweeted that the main facility is closed to visitors due to the storm and locals are encouraged to “minimize travel during this time.”

In addition to the hazardous conditions warning this morning from the National Weather Service, much of the region is also under a Tornado Watch.

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JUST IN: Tornado Watch issued for Alexandria and much of the region

The National Weather Service has updated its earlier hazardous conditions with a new Tornado Watch.

The watch is in effect for many localities across Northern Virginia and as far down as the Richmond area. The watch and hazardous conditions come one week after another storm hit Alexandria and took out power to much of the city.

The Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 p.m.

Forecasters say the threats include “damaging and locally destructive hurricane-force winds, along with the potential for large hail and tornadoes, even strong tornadoes.”

Winds in excess of 74 miles per hour are possible.

…SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK EXPECTED OVER THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION BETWEEN 2 PM AND 10 PM TODAY, INCLUDING THE GREATER BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREAS…

An outbreak of severe storms is expected this afternoon and evening across the greater Baltimore/Washington region, with numerous severe thunderstorms expected. There is a significant threat for damaging and locally destructive hurricane-force winds, along with the potential for large hail and tornadoes, even strong tornadoes.

The timing of this outbreak varies with your location. West of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can expect the storms to arrive between 12 Noon and 3 PM. East of the Blue Ridge Mountains, timing will be from 4 PM to 8 PM. The greater Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Areas can expect the storms to arrive between 5 PM and 7 PM.

Now is the time to review your severe weather safety procedures for the possibility of dangerous weather today. Do not be outdoors when the storms arrive. When you hear thunder, go indoors to a sturdy building or structure. While seeking shelter indoors, go to the lowest floor to an interior room. Stay away from windows. Those in mobile homes or weaker structures should plan ahead of time to shelter in a stronger shelter. Be prepared for extended power outages, and the potential for some roads to be blocked by fallen trees.

For the after-event cleanup, do not go outside until 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder, otherwise you will be still susceptible to lightning strikes. Be aware of downed power lines and unstable branches and trees.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, weather.gov, or other media for watches and warnings. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued for your area, move to a place of safety, ideally in an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.

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National Weather Service warns of hazardous conditions today and tonight in Alexandria

Last night’s storms might only be the start, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The city has had a rainy few weeks and now, the NWS says there’s a “hazardous weather outlook” in effect today and tonight for much of the region. NWS said the primary threat is damaging winds, but other threats include possible tornadoes and large hail.

“Numerous severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening,” the NWS said. “Damaging winds will be the primary threat, some of these winds may become locally destructive. Additionally, a few tornadoes and large hail are possible. Isolated to scattered instances of flooding are also possible.”

The forecast calls for scattered showers and thunderstorms between 2-5 p.m.

“Scattered showers and thunderstorms between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 5 p.m.” the forecast said. “Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. High near 91. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.”

That’s expected to continue tonight from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. with heavy rainfall, but the good news is it’s expected to be partly sunny tomorrow and Wednesday.

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Alexandria still cleaning up after Saturday’s severe storm

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(Updated 1:25 p.m.) Alexandria is still clearing downed trees and in the wake of Saturday’s severe storm.

No one was reportedly injured in Saturday’s storm, which cut off power to an estimated 15,000 residents. As of Monday at around noon, there were still 131 households without power throughout Alexandria, according to Dominion Energy.

Some residents say they haven’t gotten a response from the city after a large tree fell through three properties in the 300 block of Queen Street.

“We can’t get the city out here one block from City Hall on a tree that’s city property, covering a city sidewalk on top of a city sign and over a city road,” said Scott Corzine on Queen Street. “We need somebody to take responsibility from the city to tell us if they are going to come take this tree down and this hazard to the community. We’re waiting to hear from someone and their response has been underwhelming to say the least.”

The street has since been partially closed for tree removal.

The city said debris, down traffic signals, and other issues can be reported to the city by calling 703 746 4444 or contacting Alex311.

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Poll: How will you beat the heat this weekend in Alexandria?

Person swimming (photo via Brian Matangelo/Unsplash)

It’s going to be a scorching weekend in Alexandria. What are you doing to beat the heat?

Temperatures are expected to reach more than 105 degrees this weekend, and the city has opened cooling centers for residents.

“Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, cramps or, in extreme cases, heat stroke,” the city said in a release. “It is especially important for individuals with underlying health issues to take extra precautions and plan ahead for this and future excessive heat events.”

Stay cool this weekend!

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Alexandria offers cooling centers during summer heatwave

Playing at the sprayground at Potomac Yard Park (Staff photo by James Cullum)

With heat index temperatures expected to reach upward of 107 degrees today, Alexandria is offering cooling centers at recreation centers and libraries.

The National Weather Service issued a a hazardous heat forecast today, in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Temperatures are also expected to be more than 100 degrees through Saturday.

“Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, cramps or, in extreme cases, heat stroke,” the city said in a release. “It is especially important for individuals with underlying health issues to take extra precautions and plan ahead for this and future excessive heat events.”

Cooling centers are scheduled at these locations:

  • Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.) — 9 a.m.to 9 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday
  • Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 W. Reed Ave.) — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, closed on Sunday
  • Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St.) — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m during the week, closed on weekends
  • Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.) — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday
  • Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson St.) — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week, closed on weekends
  • Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.) — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
  • William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, closed on Sunday

Libraries

Alexandria is also advising residents to visit city pools on its heat safety webpage.

Additionally, the Potomac Yard Interactive Fountain at Potomac Yard Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Labor Day.

The city issued the following tips to beat the heat:

  • Stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait to be thirsty to drink.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
  • Do not leave infants, children, people with medical conditions, or pets in a parked car even if the windows are cracked or even for short periods of time.
  • Monitor people around you, including co-workers, neighbors, and friends, for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Learn what you can do if you are concerned about someone who is homeless.
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Notes: Little Theatre of Alexandria opens 90th season with ‘Freaky Friday’

Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: The weather forecast predicts a mostly sunny day with a high of around 91 degrees. Expect a calm wind in the morning, turning to a south wind at 6 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear with a low of about 75 degrees and a south wind ranging from 6 to 9 mph.

🚨 You need to know

The Little Theatre of Alexandria (600 Wolfe Street) opened its 90th season this week with “Freaky Friday,” the musical.

The play is based on the 1972 novel by Bridget Carpenter about an overworked mother who magically switches bodies with her teenage daughter.

A number of Alexandria residents are appearing in the show, including James Campione (playing Fletcher), Paul Caffrey (Mike), Naja Bates (Savannah) and Peter Fannon (playing several roles). The show was directed by Joanna Henry and produced by Luana Bossolo and Sherii Ratick Stroud.

It is optional for audience members to wear face masks.

The show runs until Aug. 12. Their upcoming program is the comedy “Two on the Aisle, Three in a Van,” which runs from Sept. 9 to Sept. 30.

📈 Tuesday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Jul 25, 2023.

  1. Notes: Many federal employees who report to work in Alexandria are still mostly remote | ALXnow (3805 views)
  2. ACPS ignores Gov. Youngkin’s recommended policies on treatment of transgender students (2634 views)
  3. Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Flood Watch in effect until tonight in Alexandria (1029 views)
  4. Alexandria police seeking SUV allegedly linked to Monday’s fatal shooting (547 views)

📅 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.
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Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Flood Watch in effect until tonight in Alexandria

Dark clouds forming over the Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria, July 25, 2023 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Flood Watch for Alexandria that will be in effect until 8 p.m.

NWS says to expect isolated severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, and that flooding is possible.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are also expected Thursday afternoon and evening, according to NWS.

“Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into this evening,” NWS reported. “Where multiple thunderstorms occur, rainfall totals on the order of one to three inches are possible in a short period of time.”

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch includes D.C., Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William Counties as well as Falls Church, Manassas Park, Manassas and the City of Fairfax.

The weather will turn hot on Thursday and Friday, with the heat index expected to reach between 105 to 110 degrees.

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Code Red: Smoke shuts down Alexandria outdoor pools and moves summer camp activities indoors

Smokey conditions in Alexandria on 6/29 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandrians are being urged to stay indoors due to hazardous air quality — again.

A Code Red Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for the region today, warning of detrimental health impacts due to poor air quality, with outdoor pools and other activities impacted.

As per the issued advisory, the air quality today could pose a serious health risk, particularly to those with breathing and heart ailments, children, and older adults. Residents are encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, shorten their duration if necessary, or shift them indoors.

The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) has announced that all outdoor pools will be closed for the day. All summer camp activities have been moved indoors today.

In a release, the City of Alexandria urged locals to:

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
  • Keep outdoor activities short
  • Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them

The release said tomorrow’s (Friday) air quality is projected to be Code Orange — meaning it may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued in Alexandria

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued by the National Weather Service for Alexandria and the surrounding area (via NWS/Twitter)

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for Alexandria and the surrounding area until 3 p.m.

The National Weather Service reported a severe thunderstorm in Oakton at 2:11 p.m., and that residents should expect 60 mile-per-hour wind gusts and quarter-sized hail.

“Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall,” NWS said. “This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.”

NWS continued, “Cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature`s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.”

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