APS Cancels After-School Activities as Flash Flood Watch, Tornado Watch Continue

So far Arlington has dodged the worst of Hurricane Ida’s remnants this afternoon, but the storm system is still having some local impacts.

With a Flash Flood Watch and a Tornado Watch still in effect, Arlington Public Schools cancelled all afternoon and evening activities on school grounds.

From APS:

All activities scheduled in Arlington Public Schools or on school grounds for this afternoon and evening are canceled, due to inclement weather, including extracurricular activities, athletics, team practices, adult education classes, field trips, after-school programs, and other school-based activities. The afternoon Extended Day Program will remain open until 6 p.m.  Extended Day requests families pick up students as early as possible. We will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary.

Also closing early: county-run Covid testing, rec centers and activities.

https://twitter.com/ReadyArlington/status/1433140458658484227

ALERT: Parks and Recreation will be closing centers & cancelling activities beginning at 4 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 1 due to the impending storm.#arlingtonva

— ARL VA Parks & Rec (@arlparksrec) September 1, 2021

Arlington is within an area identified as a tornado risk, but the heavy storm activity has been mostly concentrated in Maryland near the bay. A tornado ripped through Annapolis and nearby communities within the past hour, causing damage.

SPC showing that DC Metro and points east have the greatest threat for tornadoes over the next few hours. pic.twitter.com/iZgfpx8gXp

— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) September 1, 2021

Tornado going through downtown Annapolis. Debris flying everywhere. #MdWx @capitalweather @weatherchannel @wbaltv11 pic.twitter.com/ZserBZJNJc

— MarylandBlueCrab (@MarylandBluCrab) September 1, 2021

Arlington has seen heavy rain this afternoon, which — after the downpours that accompanied a severe storm overnight — has caused some local streams to swell. No major flooding has been reported in the county.

Four Mile Run at Glen Carlyn. Arlington Va. @ARLnowDOTcom @capitalweather #bikedc pic.twitter.com/uHBCVNGVKj

— Circumlocuxon Cannon (@rcannon100) September 1, 2021

On-and-off rain showers are expected to continue into the evening, before ending by early morning Thursday. Additional storms are also possible around dinnertime.

Models have maybe one final round worth watching between about 5-8pm for tornado risks but things should steadily become calmer through the evening hours with lighter rains ending around midnight. Hang in there folks!! We’re making it. Stay safe ⛈ pic.twitter.com/CGIfZprmDs

— Mike Thomas (@MikeTFox5) September 1, 2021