Severe Weather Outlook Prompts Facility Closures In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As Alexandria and the region have severe storms in the forecast and are under a tornado watch Monday, some services are closing early.

The City of Alexandria government will transition to virtual operations starting at 4 p.m. In-person facilities and activities after 4 p.m. are canceled unless otherwise noted. Recreation centers will remain open and will be cooling centers as needed.

Several other services are preparing to close. Alexandria Library said its locations are closing at 4 p.m. Monday. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is also closing at 4 p.m. Monday and expects to open at noon Tuesday for adoption hours.

Alexandria City Public Schools, which is on summer break for students, cancelled afternoon and evening activities at its facilities.

Residents can stay up to date with city severe weather updates by subscribing to city emails or following the city's social media.

Full Forecast: Tornado Watch Issued In NoVA, 'Hurricane Force Winds' Forecast

Emergency preparedness tips can be found on the city's website. Residents who witness storm debris, down traffic signals, flooding, or other non-emergencies during the storm, call the non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Emergencies should be directed to 911.

Weather-related repair requests can be reported through Alexandria's 311 system. Power outages should be directed to Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 or online.

Forecasters expect severe storms this afternoon and evening. Damaging winds are the main threat and could be "locally destructive," according to the National Weather Service. Isolated flooding, tornados and large hail are also possible.

A tornado watch is in effect until 9 p.m. If a tornado warning is issued, it means the National Weather Service has confirmed tornado activity and urges residents to take cover.

The latest weather forecast and alerts can be found through the National Weather Service's Baltimore Washington Office.

We will update this post if more closures are announced.