NoVA Weather: Flood Watch Issued As 4 Inches Of Rain Possible

WASHINGTON, DC — Heavy rains that could dump several inches of rain and produce flooding over soggy ground could arrive in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia late Friday afternoon and evening.

"Showers and thunderstorms may last into the evening. Any thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall, with localized totals of 2 to 4 inches possible. Much of the rain may fall within a one- to three-hour period, making rapid rises in creeks and streams possible, as well as flash flooding in urban areas," the National Weather Service said Friday.

A flash flood watch is in effect until 11 p.m. for DC and parts of Northern Virginia, the National Weather Service said.

The watch area includes: Washington, D.C., plus Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Fauquier, Loudoun, Woodbridge, Reston, Chantilly, Charlottesville, Herndon, Ashburn, Purcellville, Sterling, Dale City, Warrenton, Centreville, Leesburg, Falls Church, McLean, Annandale and Fredericksburg.

"Most areas from the central Appalachians and mid-Atlantic to southern New England will not have a total washout, but some random locations can be hit hard with repeating downpours that can lead to urban flooding into this weekend," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said.

Most of the downpours may hit the Interstate 95 zone during part of the Friday afternoon rush hour and the weekend getaway time Friday evening. However, even along the Atlantic Seaboard, a rogue downpour can occur at any time Friday and Saturday.

"The best chance of widespread downpours and perhaps gusty thunderstorms from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore to Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston on Friday will be roughly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.," Lundberg said.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation, the agency said.

Residents should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action in case flash flood warnings are issued, the NWS said.

Here's the latest Maryland forecast:

Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 5pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Chance of precipitation is 30%.