Storms could bring 2 to 4 inches of rain overnight in parts of northern VA, DC.

VIRGINIA — As severe thunderstorms pass over the District of Columbia and parts of northern Virginia Wednesday night they could dump 2 to 4 inches of rain in a short time and hammer the area with damaging winds.

Rain could total 2 to 4 inches in some areas, with average rainfall amounts of half an inch to an inch according to the National Weather Service. Other parts of the region could receive 1 to 3 inches of rain.

The agency issued a flash flood watch, which is in effect until 4 a.m. Thursday; a severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until midnight.

"Heavy amounts of rain in a short period of time may cause creeks and streams to rapidly rise out of their banks, as well as the potential for flash-flooding in urban areas," the Weather Service said. "Some of these storms may be severe, with damaging wind gusts, isolated instances of flooding, and possibly a tornado."

The rain is expected to continue into Thursday with a 60 percent chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 p.m., then scattered showers after 5 p.m. Skies will be cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 79.

New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are forecast, but higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms.

Communities in the watch area include: Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Loudoun, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William, Falls Church, Chantilly, Herndon, Leesburg, McLean, Reston, Sterling, Manassas, Manassas Park, Centreville, Sterling, Dale City, Ashburn, and Woodbridge.

Here's a look at the weekend forecast:

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind 8 to 11 mph.

Friday night: Clear, with a low around 58. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 82.

Saturday night: Clear, with a low around 63.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 89.

Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67.