MARYLAND — Millions of residents from across Maryland were put under a flood watch Monday as a slow-moving storm cell moved into the region.
Forecasters say the latest round of storms may produce hourly rainfall rates of up to 2 to 3 inches, possibly an inch within a 20-minute time span during the peak of the storms.
"Multiple rounds of heavy rainfall are possible this afternoon and evening, some of which may occur over areas which recently experienced flooding rains," reads an advisory from the National Weather Service.
The rainy conditions come as the region will experience high temperatures of nearly 90 degrees. Temperatures are expected to plummet as low as 69 degrees by Monday night.
Heavy rain is forecast to start after 2 p.m., with the flood watch taking effect at 4 p.m. and remaining in place into the evening.
The NWS said the heaviest portion of the storms would continue to drench residents through midnight. Some residents may encounter foggy conditions and are urged to be cautious if driving.
A map of the area placed under a flood watch in Maryland can be seen below.
But don't think that's the last round of rain for the week.
Authorities say there's a chance for more rain Tuesday after 4 p.m. and then again on Thursday and Friday after 2 p.m. It's possible that even more rain could arrive by Saturday.
The NWS is warning residents that rivers, creeks, streams and any additional low-lying and flood-prone areas could see flooding, raising the possibility of flash flood conditions.
The threat includes both the Interstate 70 and 80 corridors. Drivers are urged to avoid driving through any flooded roadways.
"While all flash flooding can be life-threatening, rain rates of 1-3 inches per hour are especially dangerous and can result in rapidly escalating flash-flooding risks where people may need to immediately move to higher ground," said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter.
"Additionally, mass transportation systems such as subways and tunnels can be some of the first places to experience dangerous flash flooding when rain rates become extreme."
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. East wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 p.m. and midnight, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Patchy fog after 10 p.m. Low around 69. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Northeast wind around 6 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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