Fairfax County under Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch

Fairfax County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Flood Watch as storms are expected in the region this evening.

The National Weather Service issued the watches this afternoon. They both expire at 10 p.m.

Rainfall could cause flash flooding in the area, according to the Flood Watch.

“Strong to severe thunderstorms will move across the region late this afternoon through the evening hours,” the Flood Watch says. “Heavy rain will accompany a number of these storms which may drop 1 to 2 inches of rainfall in an hour.”

A Hazardous Weather Outlook for the area also says the primary threats are wind gusts and large hail, with the possibility of an isolated tornado.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for the entire area through 10PM tonight. Thunderstorms today are capable of producing damaging winds and large hail. An isolated tornado can't be ruled out. A Flood Watch also remains in effect. For the latest: https://t.co/Kt74D8dUsR pic.twitter.com/BS0g6IFvIy

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 12, 2022

Per @NWS_BaltWash the potential for severe weather this afternoon & evening has increased. Possible hazards continue to be damaging winds, large hail, isolated flooding along w/ an isolated tornado. Continue to monitor the weather, especially if you have outdoor plans. #VaWx pic.twitter.com/R7lLMCxrmP

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) July 12, 2022

[7/12/22 at 8:34 AM] A Flood Watch is in effect from 4 PM to midnight tonight. Strong to severe thunderstorms will move across the region late this afternoon and evening. Heavy rain will accompany a number of these storms which may drop 1-2 inches of rainfall in an hour. #VaWx⛈️ pic.twitter.com/9slmdaUdTa

— Ready Fairfax (@ReadyFairfax) July 12, 2022

The full Flood Watch is below.

Event: Flood Watch
Alert:
…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southern Baltimore and St. Marys. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Fairfax, King George, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park and Stafford.

* WHEN…Until Midnight EDT tonight.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Strong to severe thunderstorms will move across the region late this afternoon through the evening hours. Heavy rain will accompany a number of these storms which may drop 1 to 2
inches of rainfall in an hour. Additionally, some regions could see repeat thunderstorm activity leading to an enhanced threat for flooding.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Instructions: You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.