[Archived] City of Alexandria Advises Residents and Businesses to Prepare for Potential Flooding and Storm Damage

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	November 15, 2006 PIO# 251-06/jbh	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703-838-4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA ADVISES RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL FLOODING AND STORM DAMAGE
Fallen Leaves Can Clog Streets and Storm Drains

The City of Alexandria urges all residents and businesses to prepare for the possibility of abnormally high water levels along the Potomac River and flash flooding along streams and in low-lying areas on Thursday, November 16.

The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement advising that a strong storm system is likely to impact the mid-Atlantic region on Thursday afternoon and evening, producing 1 to 3 inches of rain in a short period of time. Wind gusts up to 60 mph are possible and could result in uprooted trees and fallen branches.

A Coastal Flood Watch has also been issued from Thursday morning to Friday morning, and minor coastal flooding is expected at high tide on Thursday at 4:46 a.m. and 5:11 p.m. due to strong winds from the south and southeast.

Residents are encouraged to help prevent flash flooding by keeping leaves and branches away from street storm drains. Homeowners should clean out gutters and downspouts and clear leaves from stairwell drains. If the home has a sump pump, make sure it is operating properly. Heavy rains also have the potential to cause backups through plumbing and floor drains in some parts of Alexandria, especially near Commonwealth Avenue.
Residents in low-lying areas and those whose homes are historically subject to flash flooding are urged to take extra precautions. Those who have installed backflow prevention devices should engage them in advance of the storm. Those without backflow prevention who are subject to backups can plug floor drains and basement toilets with rags and other material. For more information, residents are advised to check the City’s web site at www.alexandriava.gov or call Citizen Assistance at 703-838-4800.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, Alexandrians should call 911. Persons reporting downed trees or other non-emergency situations should call the City of Alexandria Hotline at 703-836-0041 before 5 p.m. and 703-548-6257 after hours.

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