Tropical storm warning issued

FROM THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA


Tropical Storm Warning Issued for the City of Alexandria

For immediate release: August 26, 2011

The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the Washington, DC metropolitan region, including the City of Alexandria. As Hurricane Irene moves up the coast, tropical storm conditions, including heavy rains and gusty winds, could begin as early as Saturday evening. Sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to be in the range of 30 to 40 miles per hour, with wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour.

A Flash Flood Watch is also in effect for the Washington, DC metropolitan region from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning, with total rainfall amounts of two to four inches. A storm surge of two to three feet could cause minor coastal flooding at high tides on Saturday. With the possibility of a storm surge and tidal flooding, sandbags will be available to Alexandria businesses and residents beginning today, August 26, at 11 a.m. The City will have trailer trucks loaded with sandbags at three locations:

The intersection of King and Lee Streets in Old Town
George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave.
Cora Kelly School for Math, Science, and Technology, 3600 Commonwealth Ave.
The City is monitoring weather conditions and is preparing to open its Emergency Operations Center over the weekend. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/storm or call 703.746.4800.