UPDATE: County Manager Mark Schwartz signed a Declaration of Local Emergency for Arlington County, effective 8:30 a.m. on July 8, 2019.
On Monday, July 8, Arlington County experienced severe weather and flooding, getting inundated with a month’s worth of rain in approximately just one hour. The once-in-a-century storm necessitated the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Emergency, and caused widespread flooding and significant damage to public facilities, roads, businesses and homes.
Reporting Damage to Residences or Businesses
In an effort to help collect and assess damage to residences and businesses, Arlington is asking those affected by Monday’s storm to submit information via an online form.
By filing a damage report, you are helping Arlington County recover from the severe weather event. While owners are responsible for repairs on their property, the County could use this data to pursue disaster aid through the federal government to the extent such aid is available.
Arlington continues to work with state and local partners to assess the damage from Monday’s storms. Arlington’s Office of Public Safety Communications & Emergency Management is in contact with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and FEMA Region III, and is working to determine what assistance, if any, is available to our residents from state and federal programs.
MORE: What to Do After a Storm — Tips on cleanup, food & water safety, and more
More photos from one of today's water rescues. Our firefighters were able to quickly rescue or assist all stranded motorists to safety with no injuries sustained to civilians or firefighters during the extreme flooding event. #strongwork #teameffort #thisiswhywetrain pic.twitter.com/kyxkXYIJvv
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 8, 2019
Damage to County Property and Infrastructure
The County has two road closures in place due to pavement damage: one on 20th St N at George Mason Drive, and 18th Street between Lexington & McKinley — both sites are being repaired and are expected to be restored by the end of the week (follow @arlingtondes on Twitter for the latest updates).
The Department of Parks & Recreation is working to make our areas safe and operational as soon as possible after Arlington’s parks saw considerable damage on Monday:
- Six pedestrian bridges adjacent to the Four Mile Run stream — one at Bon Air Park, two at Lubber Run Park, two at Glencarlyn Park and one at Gulf Branch Nature Center — were destroyed. Additionally, a bridge near the Glencarlyn Dog Park and one at Holmberg Park were damaged
- The following picnic shelters are CLOSED through Friday (July 12): Bluemont Park, Bon Air Park, Glencarlyn Park
- Playgrounds at numerous parks lost safety surface in the flooding; as a result, Glencarlyn Park playground remains closed until further notice
- A storage building at Bon Air Park was destroyed
- James Hunter Dog Park experienced flooding and DPR is evaluating the fountain
- The County’s Trails saw debris and dirt; Four Mile Run Trail suffered some asphalt damage
DPR is working on gathering damage assessments from the storm, and some facilities may be closed as cleaning and repairs begin.
The Cherrydale Branch Library was forced to close early on Monday. The Auditorium at Central Library is closed due to water damage. Additionally, Wednesday’s Tunes and Tales storytimes at Central Library is canceled, and Thursday’s CoCoFitness Zumba program is rescheduled to August 15.
By the Numbers: County’s Storm Response
As of Monday afternoon, the Emergency Communications Center received over 600 calls for service with no fatalities or major medical issues.
- Arlington County Fire reported 38 water rescues, 25 in Arlington
- Arlington County Police had approximately 50 traffic complaints with numerous major roadways closed at peak, including I-66, Rt. 110, and Wilson Blvd. / N. Manchester St. and 50 Westbound under N. Glebe Rd.
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.
How You Can Help: Donate to the National Capital Region Chapter of the American Red Cross and Virginia Disaster Relief Fund
ARLINGTON CARES: After learning about an Arlington family whose apartment flooded during today’s storm, the Outreach Team activated and donated toys to the children! The family is receiving additional assistance and will soon move into a new unit. #CommunityPolicing pic.twitter.com/NFSMD5MVFL
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) July 8, 2019
Resources for Water and Home Damage
- Trash & Debris: Some water-damaged items may require a special pick-up. Regular trash pick-up may handle other materials.
- Where Does It Go? To find how to dispose of your item, search for it here
- Mold & Mildew: Resources for Flood Cleanup and Indoor Air Quality, from the EPA
- Insurance Tips: The Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance has some tips to think about when preparing to and contacting your insurance company.
- Pet Food Pantry: The Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s Pet Food Bank is open to all residents of Arlington and Falls Church City — no income requirement or forms necessary. Those affected by the floods are welcome to pet food and supplies
- Reducing Your Risk of Flooding: Steps you can take as a property owner
- Stay Informed: Register for Arlington Alert to receive instant, official information from Arlington County Government during major emergencies, weather events, severe traffic disruptions and transit delays