Flash Flood Watch Issued Monday for Northern Virginia

MAP: National Weather Service map issued at 10:47 a.m. Monday shows area in green is under a Flash Flood Watch.

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The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Northern Virginia and the entire metro DC area Monday until late evening.

Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage this afternoon and continue through most of tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

Some of the storms will contain torrential downpours which may lead to flash flooding, the weather service says.

Average rainfall amounts between 1 to 2 inches are expected, but localized amounts in excess of 3 inches are possible in heavier thunderstorms, the NWS warns. Rainfall rates around 1 to 2 inches per our are expected in heavier thunderstorms.

Recent rainfall has saturated soils which will also increase the threat for flash flooding during this time, the weather service said.

Heavy rainfall in short periods of time may cause rapid rises on creeks and streams as well as flash flooding in urban areas.

Precautionary/preparedness actions: A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation, the weather service points out. Be sure to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.