Storm Alberto Could Ruin Virginia's First Weekend Of June

WASHINGTON, DC – Though Subtropical Storm Alberto has already crashed ashore on Florida's Gulf Coast, it is expected to churn north through the United States and its impact will still be felt in part of Virginia, forecasters predict. (See forecast below).

The storm, the first of the 2018 season, hit the Florida Panhandle Monday and is expected to drench areas as far north as Chicago. After that, it will track through Michigan and into Canada, according to the National Weather Service. A surge of tropical air will cause downpours to spread and the risk of flash flooding to increase over Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic and the northeastern United States late this week and into this weekend.

Further east, the storm system will create unsettled weather with rain through the weekend. The rain is not expected to be drenching, but it could certainly ruin any outdoor plans. Virginia could see some rain on five straight days from Wednesday to Sunday.

The vast majority of locations will not experience a repeat of the deadly and devastating flash flooding that occurred in Ellicott City, Maryland, last Sunday. However, there is the likelihood of isolated flash flooding incidents in the upcoming weather pattern, according to AccuWeather.

Floods swept down Ellicott City's Main Street after nearly 8 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours Sunday. One man reported missing was later found deceased; Eddison Alexander Hermond, 39, of Severn, an active member of the Army National Guard, tried to help a woman and was swept away by the floodwaters. His body was found in the Patapsco River Tuesday morning.

From late this week through this weekend, a general 1-3 inches of rain is likely with highly localized amounts up to 6 inches possible, according to AccuWeather. As the pattern evolves, drivers should be prepared for localized, torrential downpours that may quickly flood streets and low-lying portions of highways.

Here is the forecast:

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers between 1pm and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 80. Southeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. West wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Showers likely, mainly after 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: Showers likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 74.

Written by Adam Nichols and Tom Davis

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