Weather

Irene’s Winds Bring Down Trees, Knock Out Power

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 12:25 p.m.) Tropical storm-force winds from Hurricane Irene, combined with a steady, soaking rain, brought down at least 75 trees throughout Arlington last night, completely or partially blocking at least 35 streets, authorities said.

The falling trees blocked main roads, like Columbia Pike and westbound I-66, and knocked out power to various parts of the county. The 100 block of N. Liberty Street, Rock Spring Road and N. Wakefield Street, N. Quantico and N. 18th Street and N. Edison and Little Falls Road all remain blocked this afternoon, according to authorities and residents. County crews with chainsaws are helping to remove fallen trees and tree limbs from the roadway.

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Spotted: Earthquake Damage in N. Arlington

By ARLnow.com
The chimney of a N. Arlington home was damaged in a 2011 earthquake (file photo)

We spotted some apparent earthquake damage in the Country Club Manor section of N. Arlington that may be at risk of getting worse if winds from Hurricane Irene are high enough.

The chimney of a stately brick house suffered significant structural damage near the top of the home’s roof after Tuesday’s quake. No word on whether it will be repaired or secured by Saturday evening, when the effects of the hurricane are expected to be felt in the metro D.C. area.

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Metro Prepares for Hurricane Irene

By ARLnow.com

The agency says it is calling in additional support personnel, who will be “on duty throughout the weekend to respond to any situations that may arise.”

WMATA is supplying chain saws to Metro drivers, “for use in the event of downed trees.” Metrobuses and MetroAccess vehicles may be detoured around fallen trees and flooded areas, as necessary. Metro is also checking all drainage pumps and clearing out debris from drainage areas near Metro stations.

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Arlington County Prepares for Hurricane Irene

By ARLnow.com

Arlington County is bracing for impacts from Hurricane Irene.

Irene, which is expected to be the strongest hurricane to hit the Northeast in decades, could bring torrential rains and high winds to the Mid-Atlantic region Saturday night and throughout the day on Sunday. In anticipation of the storm, the county is “mobilizing both people and equipment,” according to Jack Brown, Director of Emergency Management for Arlington County.

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Flash Flood Watch Issued

By ARLnow.com

A flash flood watch has been issued for Arlington and the rest of the D.C. region due to showers and thunderstorms expected to arrive in the area later today.

The National Weather Service says one to two inches of rainfall can be expected in a short period of time.

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Group Wants You To Water Your Trees

By ARLnow.com

The Tree Stewards of Arlington and Alexandria are asking local residents to water their trees. The group says that the hot, dry weather has “taken a toll” on trees in the area.

The stifling weather has taken a toll on trees in Arlington and Alexandria. Many need water, especially those planted in the last three years. Community members can make a big difference just by watering their trees says TreeStewards, a volunteer group that provides education and support to our trees. Residents are urged to water both their own and street trees they see in need. To water, leave your hose turned on low for a half hour once a week or install a slow-release watering bag (Ooze Tube, GatorBag sold in hardware stores). TreeStewards guarantees Instant Karma to all who water a street tree weekly!

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