Hurricane Florence
Governor Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the potential impact of Hurricane Florence and ordered the evacuation of low-lying coastal areas of Virginia.
While the impacts are still uncertain, forecasts increasingly expect Florence, which was first classified as a tropical storm, to strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane (~130 mph winds) that could affect the East Coast, including Virginia, next week. Impacts could include flooding, high winds, and a possible storm surge. While Northern Virginia is not expected to be in the eye of the storm, people should start preparing for the storm now, especially considering that Alexandria is especially prone to flooding. (More on that below.)
According to the National Hurricane Center, there is an increasing risk of life-threatening impacts from Florence, storm surge at the coast, and freshwater flooding inland from prolonged & exceptionally heavy rainfall. Declaring a state of emergency helps mobilize resources to prepare for the storm, mitigate any damage and streamline the process Virginia uses to send assistance to other states.
ALL Virginians should take time to prepare their family, home and workplace. All residents are urged to begin preparing now by assembling an emergency kit with food, water, medication, pet supplies and important documents.
For preparedness information and resources for floods and hurricanes please review: VAemergency.gov/floods
If you have friends in Hampton Roads or really anywhere south of Fredericksburg, please help take them in! Encourage them to learn their evacuation zone and review the Hurricane Evacuation Guide at KnowYourZoneVA.org.
Alexandrians can learn more by going to:
https://www.alexandriava.gov/
https://www.alexandriava.gov/
and https://www.alexandriava.
Arlington residents can learn more by going to: https://emergency.arlingtonva.
Fairfax residents can learn more by going: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
Here are phone numbers you may find helpful:
General Information
211 = Virginia 211 Information Service (Hearing impaired: call 711)
703-746-4800 = Local Alexandria Information Line
Power and Gas Outages
Dominion
Report an Outage at: 1-866-DOM-HELP
(1-866-366-4357) or dom.com
Updates: facebook.com/
Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
Emergency Only: 911
Public Safety Non-Emergency: 703-691-2131
Local Government Emergency Information
Alexandria or call 703-746-HELP (703-746-4357)
Arlington or call 703-228-3314
Fairfax or call 571-350-1000
School Closings or Delays:
Alexandria
Arlington
Fairfax
Flooding in Old Town Expected to Continue
through Duration of Storm
As you probably know, much of riverfront Old Town near the Torpedo Factory flooded on Sunday night and continues to remain inundated in portions today. We expect, with the incoming storm, that flooding will persist and/or worsen. Alexandria's emergency response teams responded admirably, including evacuating eight people from flooded areas and delivering sandbags to local residents and businesses in low-lying areas that are especially vulnerable to flooding.
Sandbags were distributed to City residents yesterday, up to five per household, at the corner of King and Lee Streets. Call 703-746-4800 to learn about future sandbag distribution. If you have sandbags, please return them once the flood danger has recessed for recycling and reuse to 133 S. Quaker Lane.
Do you know the proper placement of sandbags, how to prevent sewer backup, and other ideas to minimize flood damage? Go to https://www.alexandriava.
Please, be safe. DO NOT try to drive or walk through any flooded areas.
Learn even more here:
https://www.alexandriava.gov/