Wet weather, whipping winds set to strike DC area Sunday

10.12.2023 14:25

Wtop.com

D.C., Maryland and Virginia are likely to see more precipitation than sunshine Sunday, as the region deals with a rainy start to the week. Here’s what you need to know.

A Flood Watch is expected to begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, impacting portions of D.C.; Anne Arundel, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and Howard Counties in Maryland; and Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax, Fauquier and Stafford Counties in Virginia.

The National Weather Service said it expects a day of wet weather, with rain starting after 4 a.m. and continuing through Sunday. Thunderstorms, the service said, could pop up between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., with some storms producing heaving rain.

A strong cold front will bring heavy rain to the area today. As temperatures drop this evening, accumulating snow is expected in the mountains overnight. High pressure builds in Monday and persists into next week. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/tu08OHej1q

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) December 10, 2023

But that isn’t all. The storm’s continued presence through Sunday evening could bring the region just about “every type of inclement weather,” 7News First Alert meteorologist Mark Peña told WTOP.

“Rain will be the main story, as widespread heavy rain will increase in coverage around noon and stick around through the overnight,” he said.

Total rainfall could be anywhere between 1 to 3 inches across the region through Sunday.

“Late Sunday, early Monday brings the chance for a transition from rain to snow as temperatures fall to the 30s,” 7News meteorologist Mark Peña said. “With temperatures being so mild leading up to this, little to no accumulation is expected as it will all mostly melt on contact.”

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As far as wind is concerned, the occasional strong gust isn’t out of the question. In areas east of Skyline Drive on the Blue Ridge, where wind gusts could reach 40 mph, WTOP meteorologist Chad Merrill expects winds closer to 25 to 30 mph.

“The peak gusts for this (weather) event will likely occur Monday during the midday to early afternoon when 35 mph seems likely,” Merrill said.