The region is anticipating a massive amount of tropical moisture to be dumped in the next few days. Flooding is expected so if you are in an area that has bad drainage (e.g. your English basement apartment), keep an eye out for possible storm sewer backups, clogged outdoor drains, etc. The D.C. area is currently under flash flood watches and warnings.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority too is trying to ensure a smooth commute. It is stockpiling sandbags at rail yards and is keeping a watchful eye on an operations control booth in Silver Spring that flooded two weeks ago.
Amtrak service to the South has been cut.
Despite D.C.’s nickname of Swamp City, the District is not Tampa. The number of people living in low lying areas is realtively limited that when a hurricane related storm surge hits the Potomac’s river estuary, only the lower waterfront areas of Georgetown and Alexandria are submerged. DCist can’t image 380,000 people trying to flee Washington at one time because of fear that their city could be under 10 feet of water. But if they did, they’d probably be directed to use the city’s evacuation routes.
