Flash Flood Warning Issued For Washington DC Region

WASHINGTON, DC — Washington, D.C., along with nearby communities in Northern Virginia and Maryland, are under a flash flood warning until 2:15 p.m. Tuesday as moderate to heavy rainfall moves across the District of Columbia and along the I-95 corridor. The National Weather Service issued the warning at 11:15 a.m. for the District of Columbia, along with parts of Montgomery County and Prince George's County in Maryland, as well as Arlington County and Fairfax County in northern Virginia.

At 11:14 AM, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the area. Up to one inch of rain has already fallen. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly, the Weather Service says.

Locations that may experience flooding include: Arlington, Bethesda, Langley Park, Bladensburg, Mclean, Howard University, Fort Totten, Rosslyn, Hyattsville, Takoma Park, Kemp Mill, Chevy Chase, South Kensington, Riverdale Park, Forest Glen, Martin's Additions, North Chevy Chase, Friendship Village,
Georgetown and Ballston. (SIGN UP: Subscribe to a Virginia Patch News Alert and Newsletter. For DC readers, Get Patch’s daily newsletter and news alerts. Or like us on Facebook. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

The weather service urges residents to take precautions ahead of the rainfall. Be sure to:

• If you are near streams or drainage ditches keep an eye on them and be ready to quickly seek higher ground. Water may rise rapidly.
• Clear out storm drains.
• Those prone to basement flooding should prepare.
• Communities prone to flooding should prepare.

In Anticipation of Flooding:

• If possible, clear storm drains of leaves and debris and check gutters.
• If your basement is prone to flooding, move valuables to a higher location.
• Store valuables and important personal papers in a waterproof container.
• Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Know alternate routes to avoid those areas.
• Remember, never attempt to drive over a flooded road – you can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious and very difficult to determine at night.

Flooding Facts:

• Flash floods develop from intense storms dropping large amounts of water in a short time. Flash floods occur with little or no warning. During periods of urban flooding, streets can become swift moving rivers and basements can fill with water.
• If a Flash Flood Warning, issued when flooding is imminent or occurring, goes into effect, take immediate precautions.
• In many cases it takes less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles; two feet of rushing water will carry away most vehicles including SUV’s and pick-up trucks.
• Swiftly moving floodwaters of six inches will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing lack of control and possible stalling.
• Roads covered by floodwaters could already be washed away; don’t drive across roads that are not visible.
• Heed all flooding alerts and warnings from public safety officials.

Driving Precautions during Heavy Rain and Flooding:

• Know your location and do not become distracted while driving. If you need public safety assistance, you need to be able to provide your specific location.
• If you encounter high water, turn around and drive to a safe spot. Call the police non-emergency number (301) 279-8000 to report the situation to emergency personnel.
• Never drive around a street barricade.
• If your vehicle is trapped in high water call 9-1-1 for rescue. Get out and go to higher ground if you can safely do so.
• Six inches of water can sweep a person off their feet and rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and be dangerous to you when walking, wading or swimming through flood waters.
• If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you to determine depth and any underwater debris.

»Photo by Violette79, via flickr creative commons