Hurricane Impact Weakens; Flooding Threat Remains In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—While Virginia avoided the worst of Hurricane Florence, the Alexandria Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to prepare for additional flooding.

Alexandria remains under a coastal flood advisory through 5 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 14. A coastal flood watch will be in effect from 8 p.m. through late Saturday. National Weather Service forecasters project water levels will rise two to three feet above normal Friday night.

According to NWS, water may approach the curb at the intersection of King and Strand Street Friday. Minor shoreline inundation up to one foot above ground could happen in other waterfront areas.

Floodwaters began surging into Old Town Alexandria Sunday night, reportedly leaving King Street under several feet of water near the waterfront. The Alexandria Fire Department and media tweeted out reports of swiftwater teams rescuing people in the flooded, low-lying areas.

The city handed out sandbags on Monday, Sept. 10. If needed, officials will announce another sandbag distribution. Proof of residency or business address is required to receive sandbags.

Residents can prepare for flooding by clearing leaves and debris from around gutters and storm drains and following other maintenance tips. More information about preventing sewer backups and home maintenance are available at www.alexandriava.gov/Flooding.

If power outages should occur, call 866-366-4357 or visit www.dom.com. To report a water main break, call Virginia American Water at 800-452-6863.

Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina Friday morning as a category 1 storm. The hurricane could turn north toward southwest Virginia Monday, and there's a possibility of remnants bringing more rain to the DC region.

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MORE HURRICANE COVERAGE:

• Hurricane Florence Makes Landfall: Life-Threatening Storm Surge
• Hurricane Florence: Rescue Efforts Underway
• Florence In Tweets: Reports On The Storm From North Carolina
• Evacuation Order Lifted As VA Avoids Worst Of Hurricane Florence
• Here's When Florence May Arrive In DC
• Flood Warning Issued For Alexandria As Hurricane Approaches (Sept. 10)
• Cat Adoption Fees Waived To Help Hurricane Florence Pets

Image via Emily Leayman/Patch