[Archived] Dangerous Winds Expected on Friday: Are You Prepared?

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2018

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Alexandria area from midnight tonight, March 1, through 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 3.  This means hazardous winds of up to 40 miles per hour are expected, with gusts of up to 70 miles per hour.  Widespread power outages are expected, and travel will be difficult, particularly for high-profile vehicles.

The City urges all residents and businesses to be prepared for power outages from downed trees and wires. Outdoor pets and loose objects may be thrown by winds, and construction sites and weak structures may be at risk. Because potentially damaging gusts are expected to last all day Friday, it may be difficult for emergency personnel to restore power or fight fires. The public is urged to take forecasts seriously and make an emergency plan.

"The best thing you can do to protect your family or your business against any type of unforeseen emergency year-round is to have three days of food, water, and medicine available and to have a plan for what to do if you can’t travel safely," said Corey Smedley, the City’s emergency management coordinator. “In this case, the emergency is not unforeseen. Even if we don’t get all the weather the forecast says is possible for a given storm, it’s always smart to be prepared."

Storm Preparations and Tips

• Bring pets inside and provide for their needs throughout the storm

• Secure loose objects on your property, or move them inside

• Have batteries and flashlights ready, as well as any other necessary supplies; make sure cell phones and other electronic devices are charged

• Use caution if you must drive, and be alert for flying projectiles that could damage your vehicle

• If you are traveling by foot, keep an eye out for flying objects and limit time outdoors when winds are blowing hardest

• Monitor weather-related news, alerts and updates in the media and on alexandriava.gov

If your power goes out, report it to Dominion Virginia Power at 866.DOM.HELP (866.366.4357) or www.dom.com. To report a water main break or for questions about water service, contact Virginia American Water at 800.452.6863.

Meeting cancellations and facilities closures will be posted on alexandriava.gov. 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 or use Call.Click.Connect. Please call 911 only if you need immediate police, fire, or emergency medical assistance.

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

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.

This release is available at alexandriava.gov/102562.