Launched in January 2010, ARLnow.com is the place for the latest news, views and things to do around Arlington, Virginia. Started by a Pentagon City resident who has spent the past several years working in local TV news, ARLnow.com seeks to distinguish itself with original, enterprising, up-to-the-minute local coverage.
Ready or not, it’s already September, so let’s take a look back at Arlington real estate in August.
This past month, nearly 295 homes were sold across Arlington at a median sales price of $616,500, according to Homesnap. Additionally, there were 220 price changes, and homes spent an average of 76 days on the market.
Now, here are a few of the most expensive homes sold in Arlington this past month:
Dominion crews making repairs along Lorcom Lane (photo courtesy Dave Koch)
North Arlington outage (via Dominion)
About 1,500 homes and businesses are without power in Arlington after heavy rain and some gusty winds from Hurricane Ida’s remnants.
Most of the outages are in neighborhoods along and north of Route 29, including Cherrydale, Maywood and Donaldson Run. Dominion reports about 1,350 in the area.
The outages may be related to a transformer fire along Lorcom Lane this afternoon, which appeared to be caused by a fallen tree or large tree branch.
Dominion crews are on the scene making repairs. The company estimates that power will be back on between 8 p.m.-1 a.m., according to its website.
Another 150 Dominion customers are in the dark due to an outage centered around 23rd Street S., in the Crystal City and Aurora Highlands neighborhoods.
The power company says power should be restored to that area by 3 a.m.
So far Arlington has dodged the worst of Hurricane Ida’s remnants this afternoon, but the storm system is still having some local impacts.
With a Flash Flood Watch and a Tornado Watch still in effect, Arlington Public Schools cancelled all afternoon and evening activities on school grounds.
From APS:
All activities scheduled in Arlington Public Schools or on school grounds for this afternoon and evening are canceled, due to inclement weather, including extracurricular activities, athletics, team practices, adult education classes, field trips, after-school programs, and other school-based activities. The afternoon Extended Day Program will remain open until 6 p.m. Extended Day requests families pick up students as early as possible. We will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary.
Also closing early: county-run Covid testing, rec centers and activities.
⚠️ County #COVID19 testing and vaccination sites will close at 4 PM today (Sept 1) for anticipated inclement weather. Walk-ins will not be accepted after 3:40 PM. Persons with appointments will be contacted to reschedule.
ALERT: Parks and Recreation will be closing centers & cancelling activities beginning at 4 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 1 due to the impending storm.#arlingtonva
Arlington is within an area identified as a tornado risk, but the heavy storm activity has been mostly concentrated in Maryland near the bay. A tornado ripped through Annapolis and nearby communities within the past hour, causing damage.
SPC showing that DC Metro and points east have the greatest threat for tornadoes over the next few hours. pic.twitter.com/iZgfpx8gXp
Arlington has seen heavy rain this afternoon, which — after the downpours that accompanied a severe storm overnight — has caused some local streams to swell. No major flooding has been reported in the county.
On-and-off rain showers are expected to continue into the evening, before ending by early morning Thursday. Additional storms are also possible around dinnertime.
Models have maybe one final round worth watching between about 5-8pm for tornado risks but things should steadily become calmer through the evening hours with lighter rains ending around midnight. Hang in there folks!! We’re making it. Stay safe ⛈ pic.twitter.com/CGIfZprmDs
For this week’s Pet of the Week, we’re featuring two adoptable pups, Myrtle and Martin.
Thanks to the good folks at Homeward Trails Adoption Center, this brother-sister duo was recently evacuated from Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Ida.
Although new to Arlington, here’s what they know about Myrtle and Martin so far:
Myrtle and her brother Martin just arrived after being evacuated from Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Ida.
Myrtle can be a bit shy in new situations but warms up quickly. She enjoys the company of other dogs.
Martin is a a friendly guy who enjoys hanging out with other dogs and people.
These two are Weimaraner mixes estimated to be about 1 year old. Myrtle weighs in at 22 pounds, and Martin is 32 pounds.
If you’re interested in adopting this duo or any other dogs or cats heading to Arlington after Hurricane Ida, stop by the Homeward Trails website to learn more. You can also follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.
Screenshot of lightning striking above Ballston Quarter (via Jordan Tessler/@terpweather)
Screenshot of lightning striking above Ballston Quarter (via Jordan Tessler/@terpweather)
(Updated at 11:50 a.m.) If the early morning lightning storm didn’t wake you up, congratulations: you’re either an exceptionally deep sleeper or have some very high quality windows.
A supercell thunderstorm spawned ahead of the remnants of Hurricane Ida brought exceptionally frequent lightning and thunder to the area between 3-4 a.m. The light show and the loud booms awakened numerous local residents, not to mention their dogs and kids.
One Ballston resident and weather enthusiast even captured a bolt of lightning striking a building above Ballston Quarter mall.
Yeah, that'll get your attention, when lightning strikes across the street. Noped out of the doorway and straight into bed pic.twitter.com/TVfAYj6A8m
The bolt — one among many during the storm, which also packed torrential rainfall and prompted both a Flood Warning and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning — set off fire alarms in the area.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Arlington, Fairfax, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church until 3:45PM. Possible hazards include 60mph wind gusts, heavy rain, and frequent lightning. #vawxpic.twitter.com/PXX0DYFYsF
A map of the lightning strikes last night, below, shows the degree to which Arlington was peppered by mother nature’s fury.
Lightning strikes early Wednesday morning (via lightningmaps.org)
Luckily, there were no reports of major flooding in Arlington as a result of the storm, unlike parts of Fairfax County and Montgomery County, where water rescues took place. There were some reports of storm damage, including a large tree branch that went through a home’s roof near the intersection of Military Road and Route 29 in Cherrydale, at least one tree down along the GW Parkway, and multiple trees down on Roosevelt Island.
A Flash Flood Watch for Arlington and the region remains in effect through Thursday morning.
Be Weather Aware Today (Wed) & Tonight! Tornado and Flash Flooding Threat. Be ready to act if NWS warnings are issued for your area. Also be aware of ongoing flooding in some locations along the I-95 corridor this A.M. If you encounter a flooded road, Turn Around/Don't Drown. pic.twitter.com/P60d8wy684
As our Warm Front pushed north, SPC has outlined areas east of the Blue Ridge for a likely Tornado Watch. Atmosphere to start destabilizing, leading to more severe conditions. Watching closely. #vawx#mdwx#dcwx#tornado#dmvpic.twitter.com/e75GtHfL3s
Northam Declares State of Emergency — “Governor Ralph Northam today declared a state of emergency to respond to impacts from Tropical Depression Ida, which is expected to cause heavy rains and flooding along the I-81 and I-66 corridors. Localities in the southwest region have already experienced heavy rainfall in recent days, leading to flash floods and complicating storm preparation efforts. In addition to the flood threat, there is also a risk of tornadoes across the Commonwealth.” [Gov. Ralph Northam]
Jail to Distribute Fentanyl Tests — “Beginning September 1, 2021, Arlington County will begin to distribute fentanyl test strips to individuals being released from incarceration. This new effort is in response to rising overdose numbers.” [Arlington County]
Pike Apartment Building Sold — “Zurich Alternative Asset Management has sold Siena Park, a 188-unit multifamily community in Arlington, Va., for $80.1 million. The property includes 33,602 square feet of retail and 17,373 square feet of office space. Located at 2301 Columbia Pike, Siena Park is just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C.” [Commercial Observer]
Marymount Testing VR Headsets — “Eric Bubar, a Marymount associate professor of physics, has led 3D printing projects and testing for face masks and other polymer-based personal protective equipment. But more recently, the professor… is working with three other science faculty members to develop virtual reality technology for Marymount chemistry students to take lab classes remotely — and, perhaps in the future, for physical therapy patients.” [Washington Business Journal]
Local Catholic Org Seeking Help with Refugees — “Following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, diocesan Catholic Charities has issued a plea for resources to support Afghan refugees resettling in Virginia as the Taliban’s rapid resurgence prompted Afghan translators and others who assisted U.S. military forces to flee the country along with their families… Catholic Charities has prioritized finding properties for rent in Fredericksburg, Sterling and Woodbridge, as the agency hopes to place the Afghans near family and friends in the area.” [Arlington Catholic Herald]
It’s National Preparedness Month — “It’s a situation everyone has experienced: The media and public safety agencies warn of an impending storm, chance of power outages, and loss of service. But you find yourself scrambling at the last minute for batteries, water, and ideas to keep your family entertained. Disasters don’t plan ahead — even during a pandemic — but you can.” [Arlington County]
Overturned car along Washington Blvd (photo courtesy William Kearney)
Overturned car along Washington Blvd (photo courtesy William Kearney)
A car flipped on its roof this afternoon near Westover, injuring the person driving it.
The crash happened around 2:30 p.m. along Washington Blvd, near 19th Road N., west of Westover and east of East Falls Church. The road was completely blocked by the emergency response.
A witness to the aftermath of the crash tells ARLnow that bystanders pulled the driver out of the overturned vehicle. The driver was taken via ambulance to a nearby hospital, though the person’s injuries did not appear to be serious, we’re told.
LOCATION: Washington Blvd./19th Rd. N INCIDENT: Traffic Collision IMPACT: Washington Blvd. at 19th Rd. N is completely shut down. Avoid the area and seek an alternate route. pic.twitter.com/acjomYgAIP
The summer Arlies conclude this week with a new category but first, the results from last week’s voting.
Your favorite urgent care clinic is Immediate Care by PMA Health (Clarendon), followed by Virginia Hospital Center Immediate Care (Aurora Highlands) and Old Dominion Urgent Care (McLean).
Now, let’s vote on this week’s category. Is there a local moving company that can move your belongings quickly? A got-to company that will get your fragile items to your new home safely? Let us know below or by clicking this link.
Voting is open until next Tuesday, when we announce the winners and vote on a new category as part of our fall Arlies slate.
Holiday decorations now on sale at the Pentagon City Costco (photo courtesy John Antonelli)
Local Pet Rescue Orgs Take in Hurricane Evacuees — “One of the first transports of dogs arrived Sunday with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, which was able to find fosters to take in evacuated dogs from Mississippi shelters… Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is another rescue urgently working to take in dogs and cats in Hurricane Ida’s path… ‘Fostering or adopting an animal NOW will save more than that one life. It will save dozens. Please donate, foster and adopt NOW.'” [WUSA 9, WTOP, WJLA]
Arlington Girl Hooks Record-Setting Fish — “If you happen to meet 5-year-old Caroline May Evans, she may want to tell you about the fish she caught. It’s a story worth hearing: She and her mom and dad hiked 12 miles into the remote Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, where she swung a red worm over the outlet of a lake with no name and caught what turns out to be a world-record golden trout. Caroline’s fish, landed on July 8, a few days before her 5th birthday, weighed 2 pounds, a remarkable size for a golden.” [Field and Stream]
Young Dems Blast Arlington Bishop — From the Arlington Young Democrats: “In a letter penned to his church community, Bishop Michael F. Burbridge of Arlington made heinous statements about trans folks and even trans children, where he stated that “no one is transgender.” Not only is this statement harmful to the hundreds of thousands of trans people that live in this country, many of whom live here in Arlington, but it is categorically false.” [Twitter]
APS to Punish Less, Teach More — “The Arlington County, Virginia, public schools are reimagining discipline, in the hope that teaching valuable life lessons will benefit students more than punitive consequences. On the first day of the 2021-2022 school year, Superintendent Francisco Duran, standing outside the newly opened Cardinal Elementary School, in North Arlington, said the school system is shifting the focus of discipline from punishment to making amends.” [WTOP]
Glebe Road Over Pimmit Run Back Open — “After more than two weeks, N. Glebe Road between Military Road and Chain Bridge Road/Virginia Route 123 in Arlington reopened Monday morning after delays caused by storm damage. The stretch was was originally set to be closed for nine days beginning Aug. 13 and ending Aug. 23, but an additional week was added on because of the impact of severe weather.” [WJLA]
Police Make Credit Card Theft Arrest — “The officer located the owner of the wallet, contacted him, and learned the wallet was previously stolen and there were fraudulent charges on the victim’s credit cards. The officer initiated a follow-up investigation and developed a suspect description. At approximately 8:22 a.m. on August 29, the officer was on patrol in the area of Wilson Boulevard and N. Randolph Street, observed the suspect on foot, and took him into custody without incident.” [ACPD]
