Arlington Evacuation Routes | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 18:11 GMT by wjla
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Washington‑Area Residents Get Evacuation Playbook Ahead of Impending Storm

As a powerful tropical cyclone approaches the Mid‑Atlantic coast, the Washington‑D.C. region is preparing for the worst. The CBS affiliate WJLA’s weather coverage on its website has laid out a detailed evacuation plan that is now being shared with local residents, emergency services, and state officials. The plan is a first‑hand, practical guide to staying safe in the event of severe flooding, wind damage, or any other emergency that could force residents to leave their homes.

1. The Threat at a Glance

WJLA’s original story – “Evacuation Routes: What You Need to Know” – opens with a sobering reminder that the National Weather Service has issued a Category 2 tropical storm warning for the Chesapeake Bay area, with storm‑surge forecasts reaching up to 12 feet along the DC shore. The forecast calls for heavy rainfall, flooding, and a 50‑mile‑per‑hour wind gust that could devastate low‑lying neighborhoods.

The article points out that residents in the low‑lying parts of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and the Washington, D.C. District are on the “high‑risk list” and should start planning for evacuation before the storm’s peak.

2. The Evacuation Route Map

The centerpiece of the WJLA story is a color‑coded map that outlines three major evacuation corridors. The map is accessible via a link that expands to a full‑screen PDF. The three corridors are:

Corridor	Starting Point	Key Exit/Entry Points	Major Highways	Expected Travel Time
1. Northern Corridor	Fort Washington, MD	I‑95 East / I‑95 North	I‑95, VA‑28, I‑495 (Capital Beltway)	30–45 minutes
2. Central Corridor	Alexandria, VA	US‑29 South, I‑395 South	US‑29, I‑395, I‑495, VA‑267	45–60 minutes
3. Southern Corridor	Dulles International Airport	US‑50 West, VA‑7 West	US‑50, VA‑7, VA‑28, I‑95 West	40–55 minutes

The article explains that Corridor 1 bypasses the heavily congested segments of I‑95 by routing evacuees along the Capital Beltway (I‑495) into Maryland’s northern suburbs. Corridor 2 offers a direct path through Alexandria, linking to I‑395 southbound before heading west on the Beltway. Corridor 3 funnels evacuees from the airport area toward the west side of the District, using the I‑95 western spur and a network of state highways that keep traffic out of the heart of the city.

The PDF also contains an interactive layer that shows real‑time traffic updates (via WJLA’s “Traffic Live” feed) and recommended rest stops along each corridor, such as the National Mall, Fort Myer, and McLean Train Station. This helps travelers gauge where they might pull over for a quick break or to resupply.

3. Practical Tips to Stay Safe

The article goes beyond route maps, offering a handy “Do‑Not‑Forget” list:

Pack a “Go Bag”: Water, non‑perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first‑aid kit, and an extra set of clothes.
Leave Your Vehicle: If your home is in a flood zone, leave your vehicle outside and in the direction that it will be moved by the surge—usually the direction of the wind or the tide.
Use Mobile Alerts: Subscribe to the Emergency Alert System via your phone. WJLA’s website links to a DMCA Emergency Notification page for alerts.
Plan for Pets: Bring your pets to a pet‑friendly hotel or ask a neighbor to help transport them. The article links to a local “Pet Emergency Services” page that lists 24‑hour shelters in Fairfax and Arlington.
Check on Family: Use the “Check‑In” feature on the WJLA app, where neighbors can confirm safety and share updates.

4. Coordination With Local Authorities

To provide official context, the article includes a direct link to the District of Columbia’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) website. Here, residents can find a downloadable Emergency Response Plan and a list of County‑by‑County Evacuation Orders that have already been issued by the County of Fairfax, County of Arlington, and the City of Alexandria. The OEM’s page also includes an Emergency Hotline (202‑XXX‑XXXX) and a Community Notification portal that uses text and email alerts.

In addition, the story highlights the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website, where the DC‑area has a Hurricane Evacuation Map and a Shelter Finder tool that uses your zip code to locate the nearest state‑approved shelter.

5. What to Expect After the Storm

WJLA’s article doesn’t stop at the evacuation itself. The piece goes on to outline a post‑storm “Recovery” checklist:

Check for Damage: Inspect roof, walls, and electrical systems before re‑entering the house. Report any immediate hazards to the OEM.
Stay Off Roads: Roads may still be unsafe until the County of Fairfax publishes a “Safe Road” notice.
Report Flooding: Use the FEMA Flood Map portal to report any areas that were not cleared by storm surge.
Contact Insurance: Keep copies of damage photos and receipts. WJLA provides a link to the Insurance Information Portal.

The article concludes with a heartfelt reminder: “Your safety is our top priority. Keep your phone charged, stay tuned to WJLA’s 24‑hour Weather Live feed, and most importantly, listen to the instructions of emergency officials.”

Final Thoughts

Washington‑D.C. residents now have a concrete, step‑by‑step evacuation guide in hand. By combining WJLA’s route maps, the OEM’s official instructions, and real‑time traffic alerts, the city’s residents can make informed decisions that help keep families safe. Whether you live in the District, Fairfax, Arlington, or Alexandria, the message is clear: Prepare early, pack your essentials, and follow the designated corridors. The storm is coming; the plan is ready.

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