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10:45 a.m. | Businesses closing early or not opening; check before you go
With severe weather expected to intensify this afternoon, numerous Alexandria restaurants and businesses are announcing early closures or full-day closures on social media. Residents are strongly encouraged to check with any business — restaurant, shop, gym, or otherwise — before heading out today or tonight.
The most dangerous period of the storm remains forecast for 3 to 7 p.m.
10:32 a.m. | Outage count rises as two new smaller outages reported
As of 10:32 a.m., three active Dominion Energy outages are affecting Alexandria customers, with a combined total of approximately 369 customers without power.
The primary Potomac West outage (346 customers) remains unchanged, with crews working and estimated restoration between noon and 3 p.m. The cause remains pending investigation.
Two new smaller outages have emerged. One is affecting 9 customers, with estimated restoration between 2 and 5 p.m. — crews have not yet been assigned. A second new outage is affecting 14 customers, also with an estimated restoration window of 2 to 5 p.m. Both new outages list the cause as pending investigation.
All three outages are occurring well ahead of the storm's most dangerous window, which city and federal forecasters have said is expected between 3 and 7 p.m.
Residents can monitor outages and report issues at outagemap.dominionenergy.com.
10:02 a.m. | North Ridge outage resolved; Potomac West outage continues
As of 10:02 a.m., the larger North Ridge outage affecting 1,256 customers appears to have been resolved. One active outage remains in the Potomac West neighborhood, centered around the Landover Street and Hickory Street area, affecting 346 customers.
Dominion Energy lists the cause as pending investigation, with crews on scene and estimated restoration between noon and 3 p.m. (Work Request No. 34733326).
Residents can monitor outages and report issues at outagemap.dominionenergy.com.
9:32 a.m. | Power outages grow to 1,603 customers across North Ridge and Potomac West
Dominion Energy's outage map shows two active outages in Alexandria as of 9:31 a.m., with a combined 1,603 customers without power out of 71,263 served in the city.
The larger outage, centered in the North Ridge neighborhood, has left 1,256 customers without power. Dominion lists the cause as emergency work, with crews on scene and estimated restoration between 1 and 4 p.m.
A second outage in the Potomac West neighborhood is affecting 346 customers. The cause remains pending investigation, with crews working and estimated restoration between noon and 3 p.m.
The outages are occurring ahead of the most dangerous period of today's storm, which forecasters and Mayor Gaskins have said is expected between 3 and 7 p.m.
Residents can monitor outages and report issues at outagemap.dominionenergy.com.
9:11 a.m. | NWS updates Hazardous Weather Outlook: Damaging winds, tornadoes remain primary threats
The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office issued an updated Hazardous Weather Outlook at 8:54 a.m. Monday, reaffirming the threat of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes this afternoon and evening for the Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria area.
The outlook warns of the potential for significant damage from wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph, as well as an isolated stronger tornado. Strong wind gusts not associated with thunderstorms could also result in isolated instances of wind damage this afternoon.
A Gale Warning remains in effect for all area waters through 1 a.m. Tuesday. Weather spotters have been activated across the region given the severity of the threat.
Another round of strong winds is possible Tuesday behind the cold front.
9:08 a.m. | Mayor Gaskins: Storm risk upgraded to 'moderate,' severe weather expected 3-7 p.m.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins posted a video update at 8:40 a.m. Monday announcing that the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has upgraded the severe weather outlook for Alexandria to moderate risk — level 4 of 5 — indicating an increased potential for significant severe weather.
"The last time we received this categorization was in August of 2023," Gaskins said. "And during that storm there were over 205 reports of local severe weather."
The mayor said the city is monitoring the potential for damaging winds, tornadoes and minor tidal flooding, with the most severe conditions expected between 3 and 7 p.m. along the I-95 corridor.
Among the city's preparations, Gaskins said the Office of Emergency Management is participating in regional coordination calls with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the National Weather Service. City departments are reviewing operational and staffing capacity, ensuring crews are available for downed trees, coordinating with Dominion Energy on potential power outages, and securing loose items at public buildings that could become hazardous during the storm.
Residents can follow the city at @AlexandriaVAGov, visit alexandriava.gov, or sign up for eNews alerts for the most up-to-date information.
8:45 a.m. | Power outage hits North Ridge neighborhood
As of 8:45 a.m., 955 Dominion Energy customers are without power in Alexandria's North Ridge neighborhood, bounded roughly by Russell Road and West Braddock Road. The cause is pending investigation. Dominion Energy estimates power will be restored between noon and 3 p.m.
Residents can monitor the outage and report issues at outagemap.dominionenergy.com.
7:57 a.m. | ACPS announces 2-hour early dismissal
Alexandria City Public Schools announced all schools and offices will dismiss two hours early. All afternoon and evening activities on ACPS school grounds are canceled. Morning Preschool will dismiss at 10 a.m. Afternoon Preschool begins at 10:15 a.m. Read the full ACPS announcement [here].
6:07 a.m. | NWS issues Hazardous Weather Outlook
The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office warned of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds of 70 to 80 mph and tornadoes likely this afternoon and evening. A Gale Warning is in effect for all area waters through 1 a.m. Tuesday.
We will continue to update this story as conditions develop. Tips and reports can be sent to The Alexandria Brief.
Ryan Belmore
