Get Updates
The City will provide information and updates on the progress of the flood mitigation program on the Flood Action Alexandria website and via subscription to the Flood Action Alexandria eNewsletter. Subscribe to receive information about how to help flood mitigation efforts; participate in community meetings; engage neighbors in the process; and provide feedback on the implementation of the program. Log in to Alexandria eNews and opt-in to “Flood Action Alexandria” to subscribe to this e-Newsletter.
Flood Action Alexandria eNewsletter
- December 2024: SWU Fee Credit Program Application Window Opens
- October 2024: Construction Complete on Francis Hammond Headwall Project
- August 2024: Geotechnical Investigation Nears on Edison Street and Dale Street Stormwater Projects
- June 2024:Design Milestone Reached in Commonwealth, Ashby, Glebe Project
- April 2024:Construction Begins on North Overlook Spot Project
- February 2024: Construction Begins on Lloyds Lane Stormwater Improvement
- December 2023: Site Survey of Hooffs Run Culvert Bypass Area Complete
- October 2023: Geotechnical Investigation for Commonwealth, Ashby, Glebe Project Begins
- August 2023:Timber Branch Headwall Completed
- June 2023: Parkfairfax Spot Improvement Completed
- April 2023: Flood Action Launches Story Map
- February 2023: Advanced tech to help fast-track sanitary sewer inspections
- December 2022: Engineers conduct site visit for large capacity project
- October 2022:Crews to install 870 manhole inserts
- August 2022: Engineers pursue infrastructure method allowing stormwater to seep into soil
- June 2022: City preparing to award design contract for capacity project
- April 2022: Specialized cleaning operations begin at waterfront
- February 2022: Two neighborhood spot improvement projects begin
- December 2021:Alexandria crews clean up after third-highest tidal flooding event
- October 2021 City launches public rain gauge portal
- July 2021: City launches Flood Mitigation Pilot Grant Program
- May 2021:Sanitary Sewer Asset Renewal Program kicks off with inspections
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get additional updates on flooding and stormwater management from the City’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
From learning about the different types of flooding that occur in the City to figuring out how to use sandbags, please refer to the following FAQ sheet to get answers to common questions when it comes to flooding:
Neighborhood Engagement
In November 2020, City staff began reaching out to neighborhoods impacted by flooding during the severe storms in July 2019, July 2020, and September 2020. Several of these “neighborhoods” were groups of individuals living on different streets and/or blocks that organized organically in the aftermath of the storms. Additionally, staff cross-referenced flood complaints in Alex311 with the neighborhood groups to help identify other neighbors who might have been impacted by flooding events.
If you have experienced flooding on or in your property from any of the severe storms dating back to July 2019, please report this information using Alex311. Depending on the number of properties experiencing flooding, a “neighborhood” will be added to the list or staff will meet with you one-on-one. A list of neighborhoods that City staff met with either in-person or online (or both), are below. Meetings will be coordinated with neighborhoods to discuss spot improvement projects as they move forward through the process. Click here for the status of spot improvement projects.
- Alexandria-Luray
- Clifford-Fulton-Manning
- E. Del Ray Ave.
- East Linden
- Glebe-Commonwealth-Ashby
- Hume Ave.
- Linden-Commonwealth-Maple-Rosemont-Mt. Vernon
- Mason-Dewitt
- Monroe-Mason-Nelson-Wayne
- Mt. Vernon Ave.
- Nethergate (CSO)
- Park Fairfax
- Pitt-Gibbon (CSO)
- Reed-Mark-Dale-Edison
- Sanford
- South Jordan
- Summers-Glendale
- Taylor Run-Janneys
- Upper King
- W. Chapman and Masonic View
- Beverly Drive
- Fairlington Towne
- E. Bellefonte Ave./Cliff Street
In addition to the prioritization of 11 large Capacity Improvement Projects and sanitary improvements, including work taking place in the combined sewer area (CSO), City staff and consultants are working to identify and implement spot improvement projects to help mitigate flooding in the specific neighborhoods referenced above. The City launched a new Flood Mitigation Grant Pilot Program to provide grants for flood mitigation practices on private property in August 2021.
Educational Resources
- Find Your Property's Risk of Flooding: Flood Factor is a free online tool that people can use to find their property’s risk of flooding and understand how flood risks are changing because of a changing environment. You put in your zip code and receive information such as maps, tables, facts, etc. about past floods and current risks in your neighborhood.
- Glossary of Stormwater and Flooding Terms: Learn terminology commonly used that is related to stormwater and flooding in the City of Alexandria.
Take Action and Be Prepared
PUBLIC RAIN GAUGE PORTAL
The public-facing portal provides real-time data of the City’s expanded rain gauge network by adding six new rain gauges and two new streamflow gauges for eight major watersheds.
The portal provides early warning information and data, such as how much rainfall has accumulated within multiple increments of time in the event of a storm. Previously, staff and residents relied on rainfall data from National Airport and the USGS-maintained gauges at Four Mile Run and Cameron Run. This expanded network provides more granular local data to help our community better respond and prepare for flash flood events.
View the rain gauge portal.
SIGN UP FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS
Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency and let you know about City services, like the availability of sandbags. The City of Alexandria offers notification services — eNews — that sends you a text or email alert in the event of a flood.
Review your options for receiving Wireless Emergency Alerts from the National Weather Service.
MAKE A FLOOD PLAN
Know evacuation routes and keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place. Please visit the Flooding Information page to learn more about to protect your property during flood events.
BE FLOOD SMART
Flooding is the nation’s #1 natural disaster and it can happen anytime and anywhere. Floods occur in all 50 states and you can be a victim of flooding, even if you live miles away from water. Learn more on what causes flooding and how to protect your property by visiting FEMA's Flood Smart web site.
Community Presentations
A presentation in partnership with Alexandria Libraries as part of their Sustainability Series, City staff discuss what the city is doing and what you can do to respond to climate change flooding and protect your property.