'Road May Flood' Signs Installed On Del Ray Area Streets

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Eight signs to warn residents of flood-prone areas have been installed in the area of Del Ray, according to Alexandria's Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.

The 'Road May Flood' signs were installed on East Glebe Road, Commonwealth Avenue and Ashby Street, joining flood warning signs in other areas. Ashby Street has been hit hard by flash flooding events, as shown by a photographer's images of deep water in the street and flooding in homes during the July 2020 flash flooding event.

That proposed increase would happen in two steps: an increase to $210 in June 2021 and to $280 in November 2021. Previously, more funding in the city's 10-year stormwater management plan had been allocated for stormwater quality projects to address state and federal mandates than stormwater capacity projects. On Tuesday, City Council voted 6-1 for first reading of the proposed ordinance. The second reading and public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20.

Another recommendation of the task force is developing programs for flood mitigation on private property, notably a pilot grant program and ongoing technical assistance support. Other recommendations include an enhanced communications strategy related to flooding and improving the city's flood early warning systems by adding new stream and flow gauges; upgrading rainfall data collection capabilities and flood warning systems; upgrading alert capabilities; increasing flood-related watches, advisories, and warnings; exploring a real-time rain and stream gauge dashboard; and expanding flood warning road signage.