[Archived] City of Alexandria Makes Sandbags Available in Advance of Potential Coastal Flooding

For Immediate Release: September 29, 2016

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for the Alexandria area through midnight on Friday evening, September 30.  The forecast indicates that onshore winds and tides may combine to create flooding of low-lying areas along waterways.  NWS has also issued a Flash Flood Watch into Friday morning.

The City is prepared for a wide range of potential storm impacts and urges all residents and businesses to review storm preparation procedures for handling possible flooding, high winds, downed tree limbs, and power outages. Residents and businesses are asked to prepare for the possibility that it may not be safe to travel or that power may be out.  

Residents and businesses can help by staying off the roads if it is unsafe to drive, using sandbags to protect waterfront property, clearing leaves and debris from neighborhood storm drains, and monitoring weather reports. Residents living in low-lying areas should be prepared to evacuate if a Flood Warning or Flash Flood Warning is issued.  Never attempt to cross a flooded roadway.  

Sandbags

The City will provide up to five free sandbags per resident or business which may be picked up on Thursday, September 29, until 11 p.m., at 133 S. Quaker Lane.  Those picking up sandbags will be asked to show proof of residence or business ownership in the City of Alexandria, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.  Sandbags should be returned to the pickup location after the storm, and should not be disposed of with normal trash or recycling.  Additional instructions for how to best use sandbags are available at www.alexandriava.gov/Flooding.  Note that sandbags are most useful to help prevent flooding from rivers, creeks, and runs, and are less effective at preventing damage from direct rainfall.

Utilities

If your power goes out, report it to Dominion Virginia Power at 866.DOM.HELP (866.366.4357) or www.dom.com. For information on food safety in the event of a power outage, see www.alexandriava.gov/Health.

To report a water main break or for questions about water service, contact Virginia American Water at 800.452.6863. 

Residents and businesses are encouraged to take steps to prevent flooding and sewer backups by clearing eaves, drains and sewer openings; checking gutters and downspouts; ensuring that sump pumps are working properly, and moving furniture and other items from basements to upper floors if located in areas prone to flooding or backups.  For additional information, see www.alexandriava.gov/Flooding.

Cancellations

• Check www.alexandriava.gov/Calendar for other event cancellations and facility closures that may occur due to the weather.
• For Alexandria City Public Schools operating status, see www.acps.k12.va.us/emergency. 

For questions or concerns about storm response, call 703.746.HELP. Please call 911 only in the case of a life-threatening emergency or serious crime.

For flooding preparedness information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Flooding, For weather-related alerts, sign up for the City’s Alexandria eNews service, or connect online at www.alexandriava.gov/SocialMedia.

For media inquiries, contact Craig Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.