Good morning, Arlington. Dana here. It’s Wednesday, September 1: National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day and Zendaya’s 25th birthday.

Morning Status

• Today’s Weather: ⛈ A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Some storms could be severe, with gusty winds and heavy rain. High near 81.
• Tomorrow’s Weather: ☀️Sunny, with a high near 76.
• Sunrise:  6:34 a.m.
• Sunset:  7:32 p.m.

What We’re Covering Today

Morning Notes

• Northam Declares State of Emergency — “Governor Ralph Northam today declared a state of emergency to respond to impacts from Tropical Depression Ida, which is expected to cause heavy rains and flooding along the I-81 and I-66 corridors. Localities in the southwest region have already experienced heavy rainfall in recent days, leading to flash floods and complicating storm preparation efforts. In addition to the flood threat, there is also a risk of tornadoes across the Commonwealth.” [Gov. Ralph Northam]
• Jail to Distribute Fentanyl Tests — “Beginning September 1, 2021, Arlington County will begin to distribute fentanyl test strips to individuals being released from incarceration. This new effort is in response to rising overdose numbers.” [Arlington County]
• Pike Apartment Building Sold — “Zurich Alternative Asset Management has sold Siena Park, a 188-unit multifamily community in Arlington, Va., for $80.1 million. The property includes 33,602 square feet of retail and 17,373 square feet of office space. Located at 2301 Columbia Pike, Siena Park is just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C.” [Commercial Observer]
• Marymount Testing VR Headsets — “Eric Bubar, a Marymount associate professor of physics, has led 3D printing projects and testing for face masks and other polymer-based personal protective equipment. But more recently, the professor… is working with three other science faculty members to develop virtual reality technology for Marymount chemistry students to take lab classes remotely — and, perhaps in the future, for physical therapy patients.” [Washington Business Journal]
• Local Catholic Org Seeking Help with Refugees — “Following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, diocesan Catholic Charities has issued a plea for resources to support Afghan refugees resettling in Virginia as the Taliban’s rapid resurgence prompted Afghan translators and others who assisted U.S. military forces to flee the country along with their families… Catholic Charities has prioritized finding properties for rent in Fredericksburg, Sterling and Woodbridge, as the agency hopes to place the Afghans near family and friends in the area.” [Arlington Catholic Herald]
• It’s National Preparedness Month — “It’s a situation everyone has experienced: The media and public safety agencies warn of an impending storm, chance of power outages, and loss of service. But you find yourself scrambling at the last minute for batteries, water, and ideas to keep your family entertained. Disasters don’t plan ahead — even during a pandemic — but you can.” [Arlington County]

The following are preview of stories we’re planning to cover later today. Note that some stories may be pushed back, depending on the day’s news. 

Ida Latest: We’ll be monitoring the weather throughout the day. The remnants of Hurricane Ida are expected to bring heavy rain, storms and maybe even isolated tornadoes to the D.C. area. Be careful on the roads — if you see flash flooding: turn around, don’t drown.

Amazon Update: Amazon will be making some hiring announcements that are under “embargo” — in other words, cannot be reported — until 8:30 a.m. Check our website for the details. We’ll also have some construction updates for the Metropolitan Park phase of HQ2. Crews are working on the 10th story now, and starting this week, you might see people directing traffic, as well as other changes to walking, cycling and driving routes in the area.

Festival of the Arts: Artists from around the world are coming to Clarendon to present their work at Festival of the Arts in Clarendon this Labor Day weekend. Works include paintings, decor, ceramics, textiles and so much more.

Construction Project Wraps Up: Construction is ramping up on an intersection improvement project for Langston Blvd and Glebe Road, which includes new dedicated left-turn lanes on Glebe Road. Last week, new traffic lights went in, and this week, curb and sidewalk work is set to be finished. Work will be substantially completed this month, when the final paving and installation of the final pavement markings is finished.

Arlington Teens in Times Square Video: A photo of two Arlington teens with Down Syndrome will be a part of a montage on the Times Square jumbotrons Saturday, Sept. 18. The presentation will kick off the Buddy Walk in New York City — an event designed to raise awareness about what it’s like to live with or care for someone with Down Syndrome.

And in case you missed it, here’s what we covered Tuesday but didn’t plan in advance: 

Car Overturned: A car flipped on its roof this afternoon near Westover, injuring the person driving it. The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. along Washington Blvd, near 19th Road N., west of Westover and east of East Falls Church. A witness to the aftermath of the crash tells ARLnow that bystanders pulled the driver out of the overturned vehicle.