ALEXANDRIA, Va. (WUSA) -- Matt Irby has been a server at the Mai Thai restaurant for the past three years. On Sunday, he was a mover, moving everything -- including food, tables, chairs, and kitchen equipment -- from the first floor of the restaurant to the second, in preparation for Hurricane Sandy.

Like many businesses near the water in Old Town, Alexandria, Mai Thai has been flooded several times over the past few years, so the restaurant's management is taking no chances with a storm the size and strength of Sandy.

"I have to be prepared for water to come inside because it's probably going to happen," Irby said.

Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille thinks that a very good idea, and is urging all Alexandria residents to take every precaution, including removing campaign signs from their lawns, as Sandy approaches.

"With the heavy wind gusts, these signs will get blown and thrown all over the place," Mayor Euille said.

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- A red flag warning has been issued for Northern Virginia and the DC Metro area from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Monday, April 9, 2012.

The warning was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). 

"A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are occurring, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low humidity, low fuel moisture, and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential," officials said. 

Fire danger is severely elevated due to dry conditions along with gusty winds. 

The potential will be high for rapid spread of any uncontrolled brush or wild fires. 

Everyone should be extremely careful igniting any flames during this period, and should avoid it entirely, if at all possible, officials said. 

Due to inclement weather, all Alexandria City Public Schools will have a two-hour delayed opening on Monday, January 23.