Update at 11:20 a.m. on 8/27/2011 — An Arlington County spokeswoman says the county is not distributing sandbags, despite information provided to ARLnow.com yesterday.
Arlington County has declared a local emergency in advance of the arrival of Hurricane Irene.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
If you thought yesterday was hot, get ready for it to get even hotter.
The D.C. area is in the second day of an excessive heat warning. With heat index values expected to reach as high as 120, forecasters are warning people to stay cool and hydrated.
Today’s Rosslyn lunchtime concert, slated to feature New Orleans-inspired rock quartet The Grandsons, has been canceled “due to excessive heat.” Thursday’s lunchtime concert has also been canceled, as has the Thursday lunchtime farmers market.
Needless to say, it’s hot out there.
With temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s today and the lower 100s Friday, some people have got to be getting sick of summer and nostalgic for cooler weather.
Update at 4:10 p.m. — That’s all folks. The storms have moved southeast, out of Arlington.
Update at 4:10 p.m. — N. Vance Street is reported to be blocked at Lee Highway due to a large branch in the roadway. Police are on scene.
Arlington and surrounding areas are under a severe thunderstorm warning through 3:15 p.m. A line of strong storms is quickly approaching from the northwest.
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR… CITY OF ALEXANDRIA IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… CITY OF FAIRFAX IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… CITY OF FALLS CHURCH IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… ARLINGTON COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA… FAIRFAX COUNTY IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA…
Despite ominous black clouds and frequent lightning, last night’s line of thunderstorms hit pretty much everywhere but Arlington.
Other than a few drops in Clarendon and a brief shower in Rosslyn, the storm managed to bypass Arlington completely. Nonetheless, the clouds and the natural light show made for some good photos. Here are a few sent to us by readers.
