[Archived] Hurricane Florence Expected This Week: Are You Prepared?

For Immediate Release: September 11, 2018

The National Weather Service has forecast that Hurricane Florence will approach the coast of South Carolina or North Carolina on Thursday. At this time, the storm’s track remains uncertain after landfall, but the effects of this dangerous storm may be felt in our area early on Friday, September 14. The City is also under a Coastal Flood Warning until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12. Alexandria continues to receive record rainfall and residents and businesses may experience flooding over the next several days.

The City, which is prepared and monitoring weather conditions, urges everyone 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 for three or more days, and that power may be out for extended periods during this event.

"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."

Residents and businesses can help by monitoring weather reports, staying off the roads during the storm, clearing leaves and debris from around gutters and storm drains, and using sandbags to protect their property. Sandbags were distributed on September 10. While the initial sandbag distribution has ended, if conditions persist or worsen, the City will assess and crews will be prepared to distribute additional sandbags, if necessary.

Residents living in low-lying areas should be prepared to evacuate if a Flood Warning or Flash Flood Warning is issued. For detailed hurricane preparedness information, visit the Preparing for Hurricane Florence page.  

If your power goes out, report it to Dominion Energy 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.

Cancellations

For Alexandria City Public Schools operating status, visit 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, visit alexandriava.gov, sign up for the City’s Alexandria eNews service, or connect online at alexandriava.gov/SocialMedia.