VA, DC Flash Flood Watch Extended As Heavy Rains Move In

WASHINGTON, DC — With thunderstorms expected to dump up to three-quarters of an inch of rain across parts of northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland through early afternoon Sunday, a flash flood watch has been extended until 6 p.m. The National Weather Service says if rain persists, flood warnings may become necessary. Residents should remain alert for possible warnings and be prepared for rising water.

Rounds of thunderstorms have hit a soggy Virginia still saturated from recent rains. A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop leading to flash flooding, or a rapid rise in water level. Due to recent rainfall, the ground will not be able to absorb this rainfall, the Weather Service says.

Occasional showers will continue this afternoon as low pressure moves into the Atlantic. Additional rainfall amounts of one half to an inch and half can be expected this afternoon, the Weather Service says. While rainfall rates are not expected to be intense, additional rainfall on saturated ground and swollen creeks and rivers could lead to additional flooding.

Through 1 p.m., areas of moderate to heavy rain will move across the Baltimore and Washington metro areas, extending southward down the I-95 corridor to the Fredericksburg area and southern Maryland. Rainfall rates of up to three-quarters of an inch per hour will be possible, the weather service says. This may cause ponding of water on roadways and cause small streams to go out of their banks. Be alert for the potential of standing water and hydroplaning.

If rain persists, flood warnings may become necessary. Residents should remain alert for possible warnings and be prepared for rising water.

The following areas as well as the District of Columbia are under the flash flood watch: Albemarle, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Augusta, Loudoun, Fairfax, Frederick, Greene, King George, Madison, Nelson, Fauquier, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Warren.

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Here's the forecast:

Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. High near 69. Northeast wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible..

Sunday Night: Showers likely, mainly before 8pm. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 58. Northeast wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible..

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph..

Tuesday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Friday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

In flood-ravaged Ellicott City, Maryland crews spent the week preparing for the days of rain in the forecast, from tarps to sandbags to changes in access, Howard County officials said they are taking steps to get ready. "We're doing everything in our power to make sure that whatever happens over the next few days will have as little impact as possible down in Ellicott City," Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said at a press conference Thursday.

Public works officials have been removing debris from Main Street, as well as storm channels and parking lots, and have installed temporary curbs along portions of the road.

SEE ALSO:

• Current Road Closures In Ellicott City
• Ellicott City Flood: ‘Devastated, Heartbroken’ By Roaring Waters

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