Nor’easter Brings Rain, Storms, Flooding Chances To NoVA

VIRGINIA — While parts of the Northeast are receiving April showers in the form of snow, Northern Virginia is getting lots of rain and a flooding risk.

A nor’easter with soaking rain is bringing the chance of flooding to the East Coast from southern New England to the Mid-Atlantic, according to AccuWeather. Forecasters say the lingering rain has caused streams to rise and the risk of urban and flash flooding to increase.

Through Tuesday, AccuWeather said a "stalled front and disturbances moving along the front" caused the continued rainfall. A "powerful coastal storm" is causing the rain to carry on Wednesday.

In the DC region, the National Weather Service expects multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms through late Wednesday afternoon. That could bring 1 to 2 more inches of rain and localized amounts up to 3 inches. Flash flooding is not ruled out.

A flood watch is in effect through Wednesday afternoon for areas including Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, northwest, central and southeast Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park. That means flooding from excess rainfall could happen. Flooding is more likely to occur in rivers, creeks, streams, poor drainage areas, urban areas, low-lying areas and flood-prone areas.

Forecasters are monitoring conditions in rivers and streams. The flood watch also applies to the Potomac River at Little Falls affecting central and southeast Montgomery County and Fairfax County, as well as at Edwards Ferry in Loudoun County and northwest Montgomery County and Point of Rocks affecting western Loudoun and Frederick, Maryland.

As of 5:16 a.m. Wednesday, Edwards Ferry was at 9.6 feet, below the flood stage of 15 feet. Forecasters expect this area to reach the flood stage of 15 feet Thursday morning.

Near Point of Rocks, an agricultural field near the McKimmey boat ramp and lower parking lot of the Point of Rocks boat ramp will flood at 16 feet. As of 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, this area was at 7.8 feet. Forecasters believe the area could reach the flood stage of 16 feet early Friday morning.

As of 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, the Potomac River at Little Falls was at 5.3 feet. The flood stage is at 10 feet. Forecasters believe this area could reach the flood stage at some point.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor forecasts in case a flood warning is issued. Those living in flood-prone areas should take actions to prepare.