Last Night's Storm — Cleanup Continues

News from Mayor Muriel Bowser banner

 

John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Phone: (202) 727-2643
Email: muriel.bowser@dc.gov

Chief of Staff:
Tomás Talamante

City Administrator:
Kevin Donahue

Director of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel:
Eugene Adams

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Affairs:
Lamont Carey

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services:
Phil Thomas

Scheduling Requests:
mayor.dc.gov/page/invite-mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 4, 2026

Letter from the Mayor

Dear Washingtonians,

Last night’s storm was intense. Overnight and into the morning, we assessed that approximately 300 trees and tree limbs fell during the storm. By early afternoon, we had received about 1,100 requests for tree removals, so thank you to everyone who reported downed trees and power lines to 311. 

We're expecting this to be a multi-day cleanup effort. As you can see from the images below, our teams are working hard and we will continue working around the clock until all the roads and sidewalks are cleared. 

Image shows before and after photos from the storm cleanup.

As teams make their way around the city, continue to be cautious around hanging tree limbs. If the storm damaged your home, the DISB Storm Recovery Center can help you understand your insurance options and guide you through filing a claim.

Again, I want to thank all the call takers, firefighters, police officers, emergency management teams, school teams, DGS and DDOT teams, and all the cleanup crews who were up through the night and working through the day to keep DC safe and accessible. 

Of course, in addition to the storm recovery, it is also very hot and we have a heat alert in place until tomorrow morning. There is also the potential for more heavy rain and wind tonight. So, please make sure you are signed up for alerts, check on seniors and vulnerable neighbors, and let's continue to look out for each other throughout the weekend. 

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

In This Week's Newsletter:

DC Teens: Register for DPR's HBCU-Inspired College & Career Fair

Image promotes DPR's upcoming Hillman Experience event, an immersive HBCU college and career fair for students in DC.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is inviting DC students and families to the Hillman Experience, an immersive HBCU-inspired college and career fair focused on education, empowerment, and opportunity. The goal: inspire the next generation by connecting attendees with the resources, relationships, and experiences needed to thrive in college and beyond.

At the Hillman Experience, students will have the chance to meet admissions representatives and explore academic programs, scholarships, financial aid, and campus life. Through a variety of workshops and panels, attendees can learn from professionals about financial aid, scholarships, career readiness, leadership, and personal development. 

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Art All Night Is Next Weekend

Image shows the dates of Art All Night 2026: September 11 and September 12.

Start making your plans for Art All Night 2026!

Art All Night 2026 is taking place on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12. The two-night festival will bring free arts, entertainment, and cultural experiences to neighborhoods across all eight wards.

For the first time, Art All Night will extend the celebration into Sunday morning with the Run for the Arts 5K Run & Walk, bringing together fitness, live entertainment, and DC’s creative community along the Navy Yard waterfront.

Learn more about the festival, the 5K, and the app that can help you plan your experience at dcartallnight.org.

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#BeDowntown: DC State Fair

Image promotes the DC State Fair coming to Anthem Row this Sunday.

This weekend, the DC State Fair will be in Downtown DC. On Sunday, September 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Anthem Row will come alive with a free, all-day celebration of the District’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talents.

Attendees will be able to enjoy:

  • 50+ Contests 
  • Live Music 
  • Kids Zone 
  • Wellness Zone 
  • Craft Corner 
  • Education Stage 
  • 50+ Local Vendors serving up fair food, crafts, and local finds

Learn more here. 

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Reminder: Trash Collection Slides for Labor Day

Image reminds readers that trash collection slides one day next week because of Labor Day.

The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) will not collect household trash, recycling, and food waste on Labor Day (Monday, September 7). Collections will “slide” one day for the rest of the week. 

Learn more about modifications to District services here.

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