Hurricane Sandy: Washington Hunkered Down as Sandy Passes

As Hurricane Sandy pounded the Mid-Atlantic coast, government offices were closed today in the Washington, D.C., area, including the NCUA in Alexandria, Va.

CUNA’s Washington offices and NAFCU also were closed today. CUNA canceled its weekly Monday morning press call, but spokesman Pat Keefe said Washington-based staff are working remotely.

CUNA Mutual Group said its toll-free disaster line is open, and can be reached at 1-800-637-2672.

NAFCU said staff will work remotely as power allows and will respond to member inquiries via phone and email. Facilities and technology staff will also be monitoring NAFCU’s Arlington, Va. premises and communications systems.

“The standing policy here is to follow the federal government on closings and late openings in severe weather situations,” said NAFCU President Fred Becker. “We want our staff to be safe. At the same time, we all will be doing all we can to ensure the association’s business functions properly.”

The storm’s intensity in the D.C. area was expected to increase throughout the day today, with rain and winds peaking tonight or early Tuesday morning.

Widespread power outages are expected for the greater Washington area; however, due to a strong storm this summer that resulted in extended power outages, energy providers say many weak limbs have already been blown from trees and many weak lines and poles were replaced.