DC region under flood watch as storms move in
A line of storms is rolling into the D.C. area, bringing the risk of damaging winds and flooding rain. Here’s what you need to know.
- A flash flood warning is in effect for
- Arlington County and the City of Alexandria in Virginia until 7:30 p.m.
- Prince William and Stafford counties in Virginia; parts of west central Anne Arundel and northeastern Prince George’s counties in Maryland until 8:30 p.m.
- Fairfax County, City of Fairfax and Falls Church in Virginia; and parts of Montgomery and Prince George’s County in Maryland until 8:15 p.m.
- D.C. until 8 p.m.
- A severe thunderstorm warning is also in effect until 5:45 p.m. in northwestern Charles County in Maryland and in southeastern Prince William County in Virginia; until 6 p.m. in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties in Maryland.
- A flood watch is in effect through the evening for the immediate D.C. region and much of Northern Virginia.
Storm Team4 meteorologist Mike Stinneford reported pounding rain on Interstate 95 in the areas of Dale City, Quantico and Triangle in Virginia as of 5 p.m., as well as in Alexandria and northeastern D.C., which are experiencing some flooding.
The band of heavy rain is affecting most of the Capital Beltway and south Interstate 66. Route 50 approaching Bowie, Maryland, is slow moving, Stinneford said.
WTOP Traffic reporter Dave Dildine said Lawyers Road in Vienna is flooded, with a driver needing rescue in Vienna. There’s also been calls about dark or malfunctioning traffic signals, he said.
Some 8,000 people in the D.C. area have lost power, including some 3,500 people in Alexandria, 600 in Arlington, 1,600 in Fairfax and 1,400 in Prince William County in Virginia. In Maryland, some 1,200 lost power.
The National Weather Service cautions that between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain could fall, leading to rapidly rising water along vulnerable creeks, roadways and other low-lying areas.
Afternoon and evening commuters should anticipate running into torrential downpours. Some locations could even see up to 4 inches of rain in a one- to two-hour timespan.
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Those tired of the heat will have some relief for the rest of the week, as the cold front will bring cooler, less humid conditions. But the threat of showers will remain.
Thursday will start with an early shower before clear skies take over, bringing less muggy conditions, Storm Team4 meteorologist Mike Stinneford said.
Another cold front arriving Thursday night will bring more “delightful weather,” starting Friday and continuing through the weekend.
“The weekend looks great,” Stinneford said. “Saturday and Sunday will be sunny and a little flow of humidity and highs in the mid 80s.”
D.C. has activated its heat emergency plan for Wednesday, opening free cooling centers for residents. Click here for an interactive map of cooling center locations. For free transportation to a shelter, call 202-399-7093.
Forecast
Wednesday: Showers and afternoon thunderstorms. Storms may be severe, and the rain could be heavy at times. Muggy. Highs in the mid 80s to 90.
Thursday: An early shower, then becoming sunny and less humid. Highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant with low humidity. Highs in the mid 80s.
Saturday: Sunny with low humidity. Highs in the low to mid 80s.