VA, DC Weather: Coastal Flooding Likely As 5 Days Of Rain Expected

WASHINGTON, DC — Several days of rain are expected in the DC region leading into the weekend and prompting alerts for coastal flooding as a storm off the East Coast is likely to cause showers through Monday, according to forecasters.

The National Weather Service says a "persistent coastal storm" has lingered just offshore for days, and while it is likely to weaken before it makes landfall, it will cause five days of wet weather starting Thursday night.

The storm still has some variability, and for much of the storm, rainfall chances hover around 50 percent or higher, forecasters said.

Some showers are probable beginning late Thursday night heading into Friday. Intermittent rain is expected to continue for another four days, through Monday evening, the National Weather Service said.

A coastal food advisory is in effect until 7 a.m. Thursday for the shoreline in DC and parts of Virginia, according to the National Weather Service.

At 3 feet, flooding is occurring at the end of Thames Street in Baltimore, the NWS said. Water also nearly covers the promenade at the dragon boat dock in the Inner Harbor. At 3 feet, water begins encroaching upon yards in the Bowleys Quarters area.

Tides 1.5 to 2 feet above normal are expected. The next high tide at Fort McHenry Baltimore is at 3:32 p.m. and 4:14 a.m. The next high tide at Bowley Bar is at 3:32 p.m. and 4:14 a.m.

A hazardous weather outlook was issued for the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and I-95 corridor through central Maryland, northern Virginia, and District of Columbia.

Areas in the outlook include: District of Columbia, plus Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Spotsylvania and King George.

Here's the forecast for the next seven days:

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 58. Northeast wind around 7 mph.

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 69. Northeast wind around 9 mph.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers before 8pm, then a chance of showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 72. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Showers likely after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday Night: A chance of thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.