Alexandria declared a state of emergency Monday, allowing the city to ask for state and federal assistance for small businesses and giving public safety personnel the right to enter private property to deal with problems related to intense rainfall and subsequent flash flooding.
City officials warned additional rain could lead to flash flooding along the Potomac River. Alexandria has told residents and business to be prepared for high water.
An Alexandria Police Department source said police are on call to respond to any emergencies.
“They said there’s a possibility that we could get called in if we get as much as we’re expecting,” the source said.
The source added that flooding already destroyed three police cruisers.
Forecasters expected an additional three to five inches of rain overnight.
Meanwhile, Arlington Deputy Police Chief Steve Holl said the county would staff an emergency management watch desk Tuesday night, and could activate its emergency operations center if conditions worsen.
Arlington has not declared a state of emergency. Emergency Management chief Bob Griffin said the county is reviewing the extent of damage with neighboring counties before deciding whether to ask for state or federal disaster assistance.
Calling out
» Arlington’s emergency operations center is located in the basement of their 911 call centers.
» Bob Griffin said approximately 10 dispatch workers received 1,900 calls over a three-hour period Sunday night.
» Police and firefighters responded to 400 calls over that same three-hour period.
