ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Old Town Alexandria is bracing for potential flooding as the remnants of Hurricane Ian hits our region.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storms that are expected to impact the Commonwealth on Friday night.
"While we recognize that the storm track is still uncertain, I nevertheless encourage all Virginians and visitors to make a plan, have supplies on hand, and follow official sources for the latest forecast information and guidance," said Youngkin.
Businesses like Mia's Italian Kitchen and The Lucky Knot on King Street in Alexandria have stacked sandbags in anticipation of the weekend showers.
"You never know with Alexandria, especially Old Town," said Rick Fisher to WUSA9. The boat owner says he received a warning from the Old Dominion Boat Club about the storms approaching the region.
"I am just afraid that it will come up a little more than normal," added Fisher who took a couple of minutes to secure his boat.
Another crew on South Union Street says they heard the WUSA9 weather warning and decided to put up flood gates to prevent water from seeping into a newly renovated building.
Alexandria's Office of Emergency Management says the city can handle steady consistent rain over a couple of days, but their team will be monitoring potential heavy showers during a short period of time which can overwhelm parts of city like Old Town.
"We are expecting the waterfront area to peak overnight into a minor flood stage which is not too abnormal, but we will monitor our cameras and gauges to keep an eye on that," said Kevin Coleman, Alexandria's Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator.
The city has been clearing out sewer grates and is asking residents to do the same to prevent flooding.
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