Flood Warning Issued For Alexandria As Hurricane Approaches

UPDATE — The city of Alexandria announced Monday afternoon that the National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Warning for the city until midnight. A Coastal Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring or imminent. Residents and businesses should be alert for rising water, and take appropriate action to protect life and property, says the NWS.

City officials urged the public to use precautions when traveling: Turn around, don’t drown when you encounter water-covered roads.

Ray Evans, a spokeswoman for the Alexandria Fire Department, said the department found "no damage issues" caused by flooding Monday and over the weekend along King Street and in other areas.

As of Monday afternoon, she said the fire department is evaluating different areas of the city that are prone to flooding and updating plans for emergency operations.

ALEXANDRIA, VA — City workers passed out sandbags Monday morning as Old Town residents and business owners coped with flooding along King Street and other low-lying parts of Alexandria. Floodwaters surged into Old Town on Sunday, receded and then returned Monday morning, according to media reports.

Due to forecasts of more flooding, the city announced that it would distribute sandbags beginning at 7:30 a.m. Monday at King and Lee Streets in Old Town. Each resident and business owner was limited to five bags, with proof of residency or business address required.

On Sunday and overnight, Alexandria firefighters warned residents to stay away from King Street, radio station WTOP reported. King Street, Old Town's main thoroughfare, was reported to be under 3 to 4 feet of water.

Firefighters and Alexandria police tweeted out photos Sunday of flooded streets, with rescuers carrying residents in inflatable boats.

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A Del Ray woman told WTOP that on Sunday evening, floodwaters reached around knee level on King Street at Union Street.

SEE MORE:

• Hurricane Update: Florence May Pound NoVa With Rain
• Hurricane Florence: Travel Alerts Issued For VA Airports
• Hurricane Florence: Emergency Kit, Insurance Info To Know In VA

Images: Alexandria Fire-EMS, Alexandria Police Department