[Archived] City Sustains Weather-Related Damage

For Immediate Release: May 13, 2008
For Further Information, Contact: Captain Luis Santano, 703.838.4339

Heavy wind and rain from a stalled weather front on Sunday, May 11, resulted in the flooding of multiple basements, downed power lines, and uprooted trees during the overnight hours and into the morning of May 12. In anticipation of area flooding, the City’s Office of Emergency Management activated the Emergency Operations Center, which was staffed by representatives from Fire, Police, and Sheriff’s departments; and by members of the General Services; Transportation and Environmental Services; and Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities departments.

Fallen trees damaged two homes in the Beverly Hills section of the City. At approximately 08:22 p.m. May 11, 2008 an oak tree, estimated to be more than 100 years old, fell onto a house at 3103 Old Dominion Boulevard. The house sustained substantial damage to the roof, master bedroom, and the floor joists on the first and second floor. The residents were not home at the time of the incident, and the Fire Marshal condemned the house due to major structural damage.

In a separate incident, at 02:48 a.m. on May 12, a 100 year-old oak tree was uprooted and fell into a house located at 2905 Edgehill Drive. Residents of the home were awakened when the tree struck the master bedroom, causing substantial damage to the roof and second floor of the house. The residents, who exited the bedroom through an obstructed opening, were not injured. The Fire Marshal condemned the house due to major structural damage.

In each case, Fire Department personnel used plastic covers to protect the homeowner’s property from leaking rainwater.

Minor flooding of King Street was reported. Sandbags were available at two locations, 3553 Wheeler Ave and at the corner of King and Lee Street.