After Alexandria Severe Storm, Few Power Outages Remain

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria is recovering from a severe storm Saturday that brought damaging winds, thousands of power outages and flash flooding in the streets.

At a peak, Mayor Justin Wilson reported over 15,000 Dominion Energy customers had power outages on Saturday night. The mayor anticipated most power outages would be restored by 11 p.m. Sunday, and few power outages remain Monday morning in the city. The power outages prompted the city to open cooling centers for residents without power on Saturday and Sunday.

As for damages, reports are still coming in about tree damages, low hanging power wires and flooding, according to Alexandria's 311 system. Residents can continue reporting concerns on the Alex311 website, Alex311 mobile app, or @AlexandriaVA311 social media. Information on service requests can be sought by calling 311 or 703-746-4311 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Down traffic signals, flooding, or other non-emergencies can also be reported to 703-746-4444, while emergencies should be directed to 911.

The greatest threat for flooding happened after heavy rain had fallen. Incidents of flash flooding and stormwater systems nearly being overwhelmed were shared by Drain ALX, a Twitter account run by run by Alexandria flood mitigation advisory group member Katie Waynick. Examples of areas experiencing flash flooding in streets were Ashby Street, Glebe Road, near the Braddock Road Metro, and Commonwealth Avenue.

A 311 request to the city noted a concern with flooding on Commonwealth Avenue at W. Linden Street. The resident said the stormwater curb cut likely needs to get cleared, as the storm caused flooding between a foot and two feet of water, causing debris and water to enter the resident's yard.

The city noted the storm may have caused shingles, gutters, metal flashing and other items to fall off buildings. Residents should follow the city's disposal instructions for these items. Tree-related incidents have been assessed by urban forestry staff and dispatched to city staff to remove.

City government expects a "significant amount" of yard waste that will extend into collections this week and next week. Residents are asked to put tree limbs and other large yard waste next to trash cans without blocking vehicles or pedestrian paths. Smaller yard waste can be put in paper bags or containers with the city-issued yard waste stickers.