SCHOOLS CLOSED, LOCAL EMERGENCY DECLARED
Woodbridge, Va. — It rained all week, but no one in the Potomac Communities – a place known for its location by the water – ever expected to be underwater.
Heavy rains brought flooding to the region Thursday, enough to cancel public school in Prince William on Friday. County officials declared a local state of emergency.
Streams and creeks topped their banks Thursday afternoon as slow moving thunderstorms inundated the region with heavy downpours, dumping up to six inches of rain on the area.
About 100 people in two mobile home parks near Marumsco Plaza along U.S. 1 were evacuated and offered a bus to a temporary Red Cross shelter at Woodbridge Senior High School on Old Bridge Road. Conditions further south on U.S. 1 weren’t any better, as swift water rescues were reported in the areas of Neabsco Road and Locust Shade Park near the Stafford County line, where at least six were reportedly pulled from their stalled vehicles.
Also in Woodbridge late Thursday, 12 apartments near the intersection of Prince William Parkway and Longview Avenue were being evacuated out of fears a retaining wall there could fail.
“Prince William County is experiencing heavy flooding, particularly on the east end near the Potomac River as heavy rainfall continues to overwhelm waterways and tributaries. Eastern Prince William County has already had over 12 inches of rain and an additional two inches is expected over the next four hours,” said county spokesman Jason Grant.
In Occoquan, streets flooded and the town’s mayor, Ernie Porta, stood out in the rain – refusing an umbrella – and turned away drivers, telling them to head for higher ground.
In Alexandria, flooding from Cameron Run forced the closure of a portion of the Capital Beltway. On I-95 south headed from south Fairfax into Prince William, lanes were open but the slow pace of cars made for a miserable commute home.
The flooding also claimed two lives in Northern Virginia on Thursday night.
The rains came from what was left of Tropical Storm Lee, the remnants of which stalled out of over the Ohio Valley and continued to bring up moisture from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Add to that Hurricane Katia spinning near the eastern seaboard holding what was left of Lee at bay, it was the perfect scenario for the perfect storm, said WRC-TV Meteorologist Doug Kammerer.
Flood warnings from the National Weather Service were set to expire at 1:45 a.m. Friday, but forecasters kept the chance of additional showers and thunderstorms in the forecast through the weekend.
Recent Stories
A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement.
While the measure ultimately passed, some supervisors raised concerns that the county’s revenue-sharing model does not adequately oversee how the school system spends taxpayer money.
Metro Nova Creative is adding a creative twist to fundraising in downtown Fredericksburg: Business owner Dan Craddock announced that his team will surprise a different non-profit organization each quarter with unique designs on t-shirts, stickers, and merchandise.
The “Souper Bowl” returns to Historic Downtown Manassas for First Friday on February 7, 2025, with a sold-out crowd ready to sample soups from top local restaurants. Attendees will explore downtown, tasting a diverse selection of soups—from classic Tomato Basil Bisque to bold Pork Belly Ramen and Cocoa Cloud Dessert Soup—served at various businesses. Participants will vote for their favorite, crowning one soup the ultimate winner. With new contenders and returning favorites, the event promises a flavorful journey. Missed out this year? Stay tuned for next year’s Souper Bowl and more exciting First Friday events in Manassas.
Award-winning brand Always Flavored is relocating across the street from 610 to 619 Caroline St., with plans to open by March 31, 2025. The move allows for an expanded selection of hot sauces, seasonings, and gourmet products, plus tastings and events.
The announcement comes as the brand celebrates recent award wins:
Ritabeata’s Mild Sauce – 2nd place (International Flavor Awards)
Peri Peri Sauce – 3rd place (2025 Scovie Awards)
A grand opening celebration is planned.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
