City Issues Guidance After Flash Flooding Event In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria issued guidance after the second significant flash flooding event in months occurred Thursday, leading to concerns such as indoor sewer backups, impassable roads, power outages and more. The city was under a flash flood warning until 4:30 p.m. Thursday as storms moved through the region. Residents also experienced flash flooding during storms on July 23.

According to a city news release, rainfall totals on Thursday were between 2.5 to 4 inches at a rate of up to 3 inches within 10 minutes. A trained spotter for the National Weather Service in the northeast part of town recorded a preliminary rainfall amount of 3.13 inches. The eastern part of the city was particularly hit hard with flooding and experienced storm sewer line surges and sanitary backups. According to the city’s Office of Emergency Management, there were five reported water rescues related to the flash flooding.

In a Facebook post, Mayor Justin Wilson said "we have again experienced another incredibly intense rain event in the City which far exceeds the design capacity of our stormwater sewer system." He urged residents to report specific issues to Alexandria's 311 system.

Councilmember John Taylor Chapman told WJLA city officials should take quick action to address storm management and that city meetings are scheduled to discuss this issue.

Images shared on social media showed the severity of flash flooding.

The city had nine crews out to inspect and clean culverts as well as clear debris from curb inlets that may have clogged during flooding. Residents are asked to put debris out for their next curbside collection day. Due to the Labor Day holiday schedule, collections are delayed by one day this week, and yard waste collection will happen next on Sept. 18.

Here's more information from the city on situations that may arise from the flash flooding:

Impassable roads: Anyone who encounters standing water on roads, trails, or sidewalks, is urged to "turn around, don't drown" and never drive, walk or bike through standing water.

Power outages: Outages should be reported to Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357. Do not attempt to turn off power at the electric panel if standing water is present. Call your building manager or electric utility to shut off power outside at the meter. Never step into a flooded room if water may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances or cords. Never touch electric wires, switches or fuses when you are wet or standing in water.

Dark intersections: Treat traffic signals without power as a four-way stop.

Missing utility hole covers: Report problems via Alex311 online or by calling 311 or 703-746-4311.

Sewer backups: During hours of heavy rain, sewer lines may fill with water and some sewage, overflowing in some areas when reaching capacity. Property owners of homes and businesses are responsible for sewer backup cleanups. The city recommends these actions after a sewer backup occurs:

• Take photos of the damage to basement rooms and furnishings.
• Report the damage to your insurance company.
• Put damaged carpet, furniture, and other household items at the curb on your next trash collection day for free pickup by city crews if you normally receive City trash collection.
• Contact a commercial firm for cleanup of water damage, if necessary.
• After the rain stops, if sewage has come through a floor or plumbing drain, open the drain to allow as much water to drain out as possible. Use buckets, a sump pump, or other means to remove as much of the contaminated water as possible.
• Information about filing a claim with the city is available online or by calling 703-838-4549. All claims will be investigated.
• For health-related questions, contact the Alexandria Health Department, Environmental Health Division, at 703-838-4400, ext. 266.

Residents can check for eligibility for the city's reimbursement program for Backflow Preventer devices. If eligible, the city will reimburse the homeowner for up to 50 percent of the cost of installing the device up to $2,000.

Stay tuned for more coverage on flooding concerns in Alexandria.