The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for most of the day on Thursday.
Forecasters say heavy rain could cause flooding, particularly around streams and low-lying areas. The heaviest rain is expected in the afternoon and evening.
More from NWS:
FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING… WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO THURSDAY EVENING ALONG AND AHEAD OF A STRONG COLD FRONT. WIDESPREAD RAINFALL TOTALS OF ONE AND HALF TO TWO AND HALF INCHES ARE EXPECTED WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR UP TO FOUR INCHES. * THIS AMOUNT OF RAINFALL WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SMALL STREAM AND MAIN STEM RIVER FLOODING. MODERATE RIVER FLOODING IS ALSO POSSIBLE. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP. &&
A Flood Watch has been issued for our region starting at 4am Thursday and continuing through 10pm. A slow moving system will bring one to three inches of rain to our region with the potential for localized amounts near four inches. pic.twitter.com/1ibRBaryy7
— National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 29, 2020
Update at 4:50 p.m. — The Flood Watch has been cancelled.
Flood watch has been cancelled for the Baltimore/Washington metro area… While rain will continue at times through tonight, heavy flooding rains are no longer expected.
Earlier: Arlington County and surrounding areas are under a Flood Watch starting this afternoon.
The National Weather Service says 1-3 inches of rain are possible between now and Friday morning. The rain may be heavy at times and might cause flooding, according to forecasters.
More from NWS:
FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING… THE FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR * PORTIONS OF MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND VIRGINIA… FROM 1 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING * MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF RAINFALL WILL OCCUR THROUGH EARLY FRIDAY. THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL POTENTIAL WILL BEGIN THIS AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE INTO THIS EVENING. STORM TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE BETWEEN 1 AND 2 INCHES WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS NEAR 3 INCHES POSSIBLE. * FLOODING OF POOR DRAINAGE AND LOW LYING AREAS WILL BE POSSIBLE, AND SOME SMALLER STREAMS AND RIVERS MAY EXCEED THEIR BANKS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP. &&
A Flood Watch has been issued for parts of the area Thursday afternoon through early Friday morning. Multiple rounds of rainfall may eventually lead to some flooding. pic.twitter.com/nriwgRq0Q5
Nearby, the City of Falls Church is distributing free sandbags to residents ahead of the possible flooding.
A flood watch has been issued for our region starting Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Residents with homes at risk for flooding can pickup sandbags at the Property Yard (217 Gordon Rd.) tomorrow (2/6) from 7am-3pm. Details: https://t.co/HVqnPaXLhcpic.twitter.com/EWioLPbxTC
Latest Flood Stats — “As of Tuesday morning, the Department of Environmental Services had received 151 calls about damage to private property, storm drain backups, indoor flooding and roadway flooding; The County also investigated more than 30 drainage complaints.” [Arlington County]
Record-Setting Rain Rate — “The 3.30 [inches of rain] recorded between 8:52-9:52 a.m [at Reagan National Airport] was Washington, D.C.’s highest hourly precip report in records dating back to 1936.” [Twitter]
Flooded Scooters Removed from Service — “Bird, Jump, and Lime, three of the city’s five operators, told The Verge that their employees were actively engaged in removing scooters from the flooded areas.” [The Verge]
ACPD Crime Map Goes Down — “ACPD is aware of system issues with the Online Community Crime Map and is working with the third-party vendor, LexisNexis, to resolve the issue. If you are looking for information regarding crime in your neighborhood, please view the Daily Crime Report.” [Twitter]
D.C. Office Vacancy Rises as N. Va. Declines — “Office vacancy is reaching new heights in the District as new supply continues to outpace demand, but market conditions are much better for landlords in neighboring Northern Virginia.” [Bisnow]
Trailers to Take Out Tree — “In a community where the destruction of even a single tree can mobilize residents, there may be another skirmish in the offing on July 13. That’s the date that Arlington County Board members will be asked to approve the placement of new portable (‘relocatable’) classrooms on the campus Arlington Traditional School, designed to ease overcrowding.” [InsideNova]
Ballston Office Building Sold — “The first building developed in Ballston’s Liberty Center complex has just traded hands. Carr Properties sold the One Liberty Center office building at 875 North Randolph St. to USAA Real Estate, the JLL brokerage team announced Monday. Property records show the sale closed June 26 for about $153M.” [Bisnow]
Flooded road at Lee Highway and N. Kirkwood Street
Williamsburg Blvd at N. Harrison Street flooded
Standing water on N. Glebe Road at Rock Spring Road
Four Mile Run Drive flooded near the Dept. of Motor Vehicles office
Three cars disabled in the aftermath of flooding at Lee Highway and N. Kirkwood Road
Aftermath of flooding on N. Kirkwood Road
Numerous road closures in eastern portions of Arlington County (via Google Maps)
Several cars flooded at 11th Street N. and N. Kennebec Street
Man who helped rescue those in floodwaters at N. Kennebec and 11th interviewed by a local TV news crew
Several cars flooded at 11th Street N. and N. Kennebec Street
Flooding in Arlington
Flooding in Arlington
Chain Bridge closed on the Arlington side of the Potomac
Flooding at N. Harrison Street and Yorktown Blvd (Image courtesy Judy T./Facebook)
Four Mile Run flooding (photo courtesy Kim C./Facebook)
Flooding in the Ballston Quarter parking garage
Flooding in the Ballston Quarter parking garage (Staff photo by Ashley Hopko)
Flooded parking lot at Marine Corps base Henderson Hall (photo courtesy anonymous)
Update at 5:25 p.m. — It’s “too early to tell” whether a disaster declaration will be made due to the extensive damage from today’s flooding, an Arlington County spokeswoman tells ARLnow.com.
Per Arlington’s Office of Emergency Management:
Arlington County continues to work with state and local partners to assess the damage from today’s storms. Detailed damage assessments, especially for roadways and bridges, will take additional time as crews continue to assess impacts. Arlington PSCEM is in contact with VDEM and FEMA Region III and working to assess what assistance, if any, is available to our residents from state and federal programs.
Update at 5:20 p.m. — Chain Bridge has reopened.
Update at 4:25 p.m. — In Westover, a portion of 18th Street N. is closed due to the roadway being damaged by flooding. In High View Park/Hall’s Hill, a portion of 20th Street N. is closed at N. George Mason Drive for road repairs.
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) July 8, 2019
Update at 3:45 p.m. — Today’s event was classified as an “extraordinarily dangerous” Flash Flood Emergency by the National Weather Service. An NWS official said it was the first Flash Flood Emergency for Arlington and D.C. since the agency started using the classification in 2011.
Canal Road NW in D.C., meanwhile, will remain closed between Chain Bridge and Foxhall Road during the afternoon rush hour, officials said.
Update at 3:30 p.m. — A number of businesses in Westover Village are closed following this morning’s flooding.
Updated at 3:15 p.m. — Video posted to social media shows major flooding this morning in the area of 33rd and 34th streets at N. Kensington Street, several blocks from Yorktown High School. At least one home was reported to have been evacuated while several homes were damaged by floodwaters that reached mid-way up a front door.
Update at 3 p.m. — Flooding has prompted the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington to cancel all events and activities, the church said via Twitter.
The GW Parkway has reopened near the airport after it was closed due to flooding.
The Cherrydale Branch Library is closing early due to “power issues.” Dominion is currently reporting 434 customers without power in Arlington, mostly in and around Rosslyn.
Update at 2:15 p.m. — Arlington’s Solid Waste Bureau says it will help residents track down waste carts the floated away during this morning’s rain and flooding.
As a result of today's flooding, the Solid Waste Bureau will be tracking down missing carts to return them to their proper residences. Please refrain from submitting lost cart requests before noon Wednesday, July 10. https://t.co/WWY66ITtC1
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) July 8, 2019
Update at 1:05 p.m. — Video (below) shows flooding in the Westover Market and its attached, outdoor beer garden.
Update at 1 p.m. — “As flood conditions continue, please be safe and avoid standing and moving water,” writes Arlington County Board member Katie Cristol. “As the weather moves on, you can find more resources about cleanup, protection and water damage at https://emergency.arlingtonva.us“
Meanwhile, WAMU is reporting extensive flooding in Arlington’s Waverly Hills neighborhood. And a Flood Warning has been issued for Arlington until 6 p.m., replacing the earlier Flash Flood Warning.
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Flood Warning for… The City of Fairfax in northern Virginia… Arlington County in northern Virginia… The City of Falls Church in northern Virginia… Fairfax County in northern Virginia… The City of Alexandria in northern Virginia…
* Until 600 PM EDT.
* At 1252 PM EDT, reporting gauges indicate larger streams are still rising from the earlier torrential rain, and many road closures
are still being reported. Although the threat of rapid rise life threatening flooding is diminishing, some flooding is likely to continue for the rest of the afternoon. Therefore, this Flood
Warning replaces the Flash Flood Warning.
* Some locations that will experience flooding include… Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Annandale, Springfield, Herndon, Fairfax, Fort Hunt, Vienna, Groveton, Falls Church, Huntington, Lowes Island, Mantua, Fort Belvoir, Pimmit Hills, McLean, American Legion Bridge, Reagan National Airport and Rosslyn.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
A Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. All interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately.
Update at 12:35 p.m. — Route 110 is being opened back up, per scanner traffic.
Video sent to ARLnow shows a parking lot at Marine Corps base Henderson Hall completely flooded. Also, videos posted to social media (below) shows raging waters along Four Mile Run creek near the Shirlington dog park and along N. Kirkwood Road at the height of the storm.
And this is why it took me almost 3 hours to get to work on Rt. 110. Stay safe drivers. Watch @ABC7News for what you need to know for the rest of the day. pic.twitter.com/XnWXXkLtTS
Update at 12:15 p.m. — “Crews continue to inspect storm drains for blockages but many lines remain over capacity because of stream water levels,” says Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services.
Update at 12:10 p.m. — Flooding along Lubber Run may have washed out a pedestrian bridge, per a social media post.
Update at 12 p.m. — In addition to flooded basements, high standing water has been reported in a number of parking garages — including the Ballston Quarter parking garage and a garage used by Arlington County Police.
Chain Bridge remains closed at N. Glebe Road, with traffic being diverted onto Chain Bridge Road. Citing broadcast media, the National Weather Service reports major flooding along Canal Road:
NUMEROUS VEHICLES SUBMERGED ON CANAL ROAD NW NEAR FLETCHERS COVE BOATHOUSE. DRIVERS STRANDED ON VEHICLE ROOF TOPS, SOME SWAM TO SAFETY, AND OTHERS WERE ESCORTED TO SAFETY BY DC FIRE AND EMS.
More rain looks to be on the way, but we should start drying out later this afternoon.
Video posted to social media, meanwhile, shows a significant roof leak in the Virginia Square Metro station.
Update at 11:35 a.m. — A trained spotter in the Westover neighborhood reports 4.5 inches of rainfall so far this morning, per the National Weather Service, while Reagan National Airport reports nearly 3.5 inches of rainfall.
Arlington’s Emergency Communications Center says it has received 600 calls since 8:40 a.m., including 25 water rescues in Arlington and 27 flooded buildings.
ACPD Officers are hard at work addressing traffic complaints related to today’s storm. Remember: it is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. pic.twitter.com/BUhhykt4CL
Arlington County and surrounding areas are under a Flash Flood Watch starting at 6 p.m. Slow-moving rainstorms are expected to drop copious amounts of precipitation on much of the region, particularly to the west of D.C.
The expected downpours follow the strong storms that ripped through Arlington yesterday, dumping torrential rain on much of the county and saturating the ground. That combination could result in flooding.
More from the National Weather Service:
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING THROUGH LATE TONIGHT… SLOW MOVING SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TONIGHT. TORRENTIAL RAINFALL MAY LEAD TO TOTALS EXCEEDING 2 INCHES IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THIS MAY CAUSE FLASH FLOODING OF SMALL STREAMS AND OTHER POOR DRAINAGE URBAN AREAS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED. &&
The Flash Flood Watch has been expended to include eastern WV including the Panhandle, most of MD, and all of northern/central VA. The Watch is in effect until late tonight. #DCwx#MDwx#VAwx#WVwxpic.twitter.com/yshq6k5UGQ
Arlington County and much of the D.C. region is now under a Flash Flood Watch.
The watch is in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters say multiple rounds of heavy rain and storms could produce flash flooding.
More from the National Weather Service:
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING… WIDESPREAD SHOWERS AND POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP THIS EVENING AND CONTINUE INTO SUNDAY MORNING. LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL IS EXPECTED. AVERAGE RAINFALL AMOUNTS WILL BE BETWEEN 1 AND 3 INCHES WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS AROUND 4 INCHES POSSIBLE. * HEAVY RAINFALL IN SHORT PERIODS OF TIME MAY CAUSE CREEKS AND STREAMS TO RAPIDLY RISE OUT OF THEIR BANKS ALONG WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR FLASH FLOODING IN URBAN AREAS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED. &&
Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected tonight into Sunday morning. Locally heavy rain is possible that could lead to flooding of small streams and creeks. One to two inches of rain are expected. #DCwx#MDwx#VAwx#WVwxpic.twitter.com/w5W2046R20
(Updated at 1:25 p.m.) Arlington and the D.C. region is now under a Tornado Watch.
The watch is in effect until midnight tonight. Forecasters say the storms approaching the area may spawn isolated tornadoes.
The region is also under a Flash Flood Watch, with heavy rain expected this afternoon and evening. The expected stormy weather has prompted airlines to allow travelers at Reagan National Airport to change their flights without additional fees.
More from the National Weather Service:
MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING. SOME OF THE STORMS WILL LIKELY BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AND ISOLATED TORNADOES.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY THROUGH MOST OF TONIGHT FOR THE ENTIRE OUTLOOK AREA.
GALE CONDITIONS ARE POSSIBLE OVER THE WATERS TONIGHT.
With flooding and power outages possible, Arlington County Police are reminding motorists to take extra precautions on the roads.
Gusty winds and heavy rain are likely during today's storm and may cause power outages. Plan ahead to limit your commute during the inclement weather. If you must be out, slow down, drive for the conditions and remember to treat any uncontrolled intersection as a FOUR WAY STOP. pic.twitter.com/ZY5m2nWMKm
The groundwater level in Arlington is rising, officials say, which could cause more flooded homes and mosquito-filled backyards.
Arlington’s Dept. of Environmental Services says current groundwater levels are an average of 5 feet higher than they were during the past two years. Officials say one reason is last year’s 60-inch rainfall, which broke the 1889 record for the region’s rainiest year ever recorded.
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) April 12, 2019
“The potential for flooding, especially localized flooding, is affected with the ground being more saturated,” said DES’s Stormwater Outreach Specialist Lily Whitesell.
Whitesell explained that the “void” in soil which usually absorbs water is now filled with water. This mean water can’t be as easily absorbed and it’s more likely to cause runoff and flooding.
The likelihood of flooding will be highest when storms dump an inch or more of rain on the area, she said.
In addition to floods, Whitesell said residents can also expect:
Softer, muddier ground in general
More mosquitos as water “ponds” in backyards,
Algae potentially growing on sidewalks and in gutters
More sump pump discharge
Plants that prefer drier weather to suffer
“Water ponding next to your foundation is not something that you want for the long-term structural safety of a home,” said Whitesell. “And certainly if you have a basement nobody wants water getting in there.”
She clarified that rising groundwater levels do not affect floodplain boundaries, which are drawn based on severe, “100-year” floods. However, the DES website notes that county waterways can be hit hard by stormwater runoff which causes:
Erosion: The high volume of water erodes stream banks, compromising trails and trees along our stream valley parks.
Pollutants: Stormwater washes pollutants like nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), sediment, bacteria, petroleum, pet waste and trash into our streams, causing poor water quality.
Temperature: During the summer months, stormwater heats up as it flows over hot pavement, which then increases the temperature of the stream water by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, causing stress or death to aquatic organisms.
Rising groundwater levels can also affect the underground vaults that protect controls for utilities like electricity, gas and telephone lines, Whitesell said. When these gather moisture or flood it can pose a risk to equipment and workers as NIOSH has reported.
“Some vaults are very shallow and so may not be affected,” said Whitesell. “But some are deep enough to be affected.”
When asked, Whitesell said the swell of rainstorms could be a symptom of climate change: “One of the effects we expect with global warming and climate change is that wet areas get wetter and dry areas get drier.”
In Arlington, Whitesell said the number of applications to the county’s Stormwater Wise Program that helps homeowners reduce stormwater run-off has doubled over the last year.
“We’re all hoping for a drier year,” she said.
In the meantime, DES recommends residents flood-proof their homes as much as possible and check whether they’re eligible for flood insurance. But in case all else fails the department suggests residents take the following precautions:
Know how to shut off the electricity and gas to your house, in the event of flooding.
Make a list of emergency numbers and identify a safe place to go.
Make a household inventory of belongings, especially the contents in the basement.
Keep important documents and medicine in a water proof container in a safe place.
Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off — medications, pet supplies, batteries.
If your home needs a sump pump, get a battery backup in case the power goes out. Check on the pump regularly, especially if it’s more than eight years old.
Arlington County and surrounding areas are under both a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory Thursday, as a front brings heavy rain and strong winds to the region.
About 1-2 inches of rain is expected to fall, potentially causing flooding in low-lying areas and along streams and creeks.
More from the National Weather Service:
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT… * FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON * RAIN WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT. THE HEAVIEST RAIN IS EXPECTED OVERNIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING. TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS AROUND 1 INCH ARE EXPECTED, WITH ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS OF 1.5 TO 2 INCHES POSSIBLE. * EXCESS RUNOFF FROM A NEARLY FROZEN GROUND AND SATURATED SOILS WILL CAUSE THE POTENTIAL FOR STREAMS AND CREEKS TO RISE OUT OF THEIR BANKS AS WELL AS POTENTIAL FLOODING IN LOW LYING URBAN AREAS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A FLOOD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FLOODING BASED ON CURRENT FORECASTS. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE ALERT FOR POSSIBLE FLOOD WARNINGS. THOSE LIVING IN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLOODING DEVELOP. &&
In addition to the rain, damaging winds are possible.
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO NOON EST THURSDAY… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON HAS ISSUED A WIND ADVISORY, WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO NOON EST THURSDAY. * TIMING…THURSDAY MORNING. * WINDS…SOUTHWEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH. * IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS WILL BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN AND A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… A WIND ADVISORY MEANS THAT WINDS OF 45 TO 55 MPH ARE EXPECTED. WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. &&
More via social media:
Rain will be moving in tonight after midnight. Tomorrow through the midday hours rain could be heavy in spots. Around 1 to 1.5" is poss. and this could lead to some flooding issues. Winds will also be strong overnight and tomorrow … at least it's warmer! pic.twitter.com/lLNKGszsnd
Both flood watch and wind advisory in effect for DMV Thursday morning. Over an inch of rain possible, and wind gusts to 40 to 50 mph as strong cold front sweeps through. More info: https://t.co/zDJoNCDXkqpic.twitter.com/ZTVbjaHKoj
Flood Watch in Effect — Expect periods of rain today. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of the region through late tonight. “Excessive runoff from already saturated soils will cause the potential for streams and creeks to rise out of their banks as well as flooding in low lying urban areas,” forecasters say. [Weather.gov, Twitter]
Arlington Doesn’t Want to Pick Fight Over J-D Hwy — “The Arlington County government’s efforts to rename its portion of Jefferson Davis Highway could face familiar legislative roadblocks in 2019. But County Board members say they have no interest in forcing a confrontation with the General Assembly on the matter.” [InsideNova]
New Year’s Meeting Scheduled for Jan. 2 — Next week, what used to be a New Year’s Day organizational meeting for the Arlington County Board will again be held on Jan. 2 instead. The Board will elect a new Chair and Vice Chair at the meeting. [Arlington County]
Developer Buys Wilson Blvd Property — “The Meridian Group has picked up its next value-add Arlington County office building as it… closed Wednesday on its acquisition of 2500 Wilson Blvd. and several adjacent parcels from an affiliate of TH Real Estate for a consideration amount of nearly $39 million, or roughly $373 per square foot, according to Arlington County land records.” [Washington Business Journal]
Dulles Toll Road Rates Rising — “Starting Jan. 1, prices are scheduled to go up for those driving on the Dulles Toll Road. The cost to passenger vehicles will increase from $2.50 to $3.25 at the main toll plaza and from $1 to $1.50 on ramps.” [Tysons Reporter]
Christmas Closures in Arlington — “Arlington County Government offices, courts and libraries will be closed on Mon., Dec. 24 and Tue., Dec. 25, 2018, for Christmas and on Tue., Jan. 1, 2019, for New Year’s Day. Courts will also be closed on Dec. 31, 2018, and libraries will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31.” [Arlington County]
Low-Income Workers Finding Metro Alternatives — “As Metro fares have risen, hours for train service have been cut and gentrification has made it more difficult for low-income workers to live near rail stations, workers making lower wages in Washington and in Arlington have become less likely to commute by transit… down 5 percent from the previous five years.” [Washington Post]
Arlington, Alexandria Firefighters Learning Yoga — “It’s a revolutionary training course helping firefighters cope [with] stress & sleep deprivation. One firefighter who was at the Pentagon on 9/11 says it helps him deal [with] the memory of that day.” [NBC Washington, Twitter]
Rain, Flood Watch Continues — “The Flood Watch continues through this afternoon. Unseasonably warm today with showers and perhaps an isolated afternoon/evening thunderstorm.” [Twitter]
Holiday Wrapping Paper Alternatives — Local designer Beth Singer, whose firm designed the ARLnow logo, has penned a new blog post just in time for the holidays: “Five Reasons I Will Never Buy Wrapping Paper Again.” [Beth Singer Design]
Eclectic Estate Sale Near Clarendon — “Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for that special person? Are you a collector of unusual paintings, furniture, or sculpture? A curious browser of all things uncommon and quirky? You won’t want to miss this special estate sale, this weekend in Ashton Heights.” [Team Cathell]
Nearby: Amazon’s Effect on Chirilagua — “Between Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood and the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington is a swath of land home to a vibrant Hispanic community… For many Chirilagua residents, Amazon’s arrival threatens the end of the community they love, bringing increased housing costs, new residents and creeping gentrification.” [NBC Washington]
