Locals scramble to find sandbags

With the first drops of Hurricane Irene soaking streets and heads, D.C. and Alexandria residents scrambled to find sandbags to keep out the water expected overnight. At RFK Stadium, more than 200 cars lined up before 9 a.m. to get the sandbags the D.C. government promised at noon. Workers arrived at 9, and surprised by the long line, started distribution immediately. The crew handed out 6,000 sandbags by 3 p.m.

Even in the mad rush to keep homes dry, at least one D.C. resident was praising a neighbor’s kindness.