Heavy Weather on the Way: Get Your Free Sandbags Now

Batten down the hatches: What's left of tropical storm Nicole is going to hit the Washington, DC area. Overnight and through around 5pm Thursday, we can expect between 1 and 4 inches of rain, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

Flooding, a few power outages, and getting bonked in the head by somebody else's umbrella are all possible.

Tropical storm Nicole, which will be tropical Mess by the time it reaches us, originated over Cuba, and passed by southern Florida on its way to the DC area.

The DC Department of Public Works will be distributing up to five sandbags per household to District residents beginning 4 pm today, Wednesday, at its New Jersey Avenue and K Street, SE site. The entrance is on New Jersey at I Street, SE. DPW will have employees and signage directing residents to the site entrance.

The sandbags weigh between 40 lbs. and 50 lbs. Residents will need to load them into their vehicles; however, assistance will be provided if needed. Sandbags will be distributed until the inventory is depleted.