After a stretch of consistently sunny days, the D.C. region is facing a potential bout of rain this afternoon (Wednesday).
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the area, including Fairfax County, that’s currently scheduled to take effect at 2 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m.
The alert advises that thunderstorms may bring heavy rainfall, which could lead to flash flooding.
“Localized rainfall amounts around 1 to 2 inches within an hour are likely,” the NWS said. “Multiple rounds of storms are possible with total rainfall amounts around 2 to 4 inches.”
According to the Capital Weather Gang, this is the 18th Flood Watch to include the D.C. area since May — the most on record for the region during the summer season.
The full Flood Watch is below.
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM EDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE…Portions of DC, including the following, District of Columbia, Maryland, including the following areas, Anne Arundel, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore, and northern Virginia, including the following areas, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria and Fairfax.
* WHEN…Until 9 PM EDT this evening.
* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Thunderstorms are likely this afternoon into this evening with heavy rainfall within a short period of time. Localized rainfall amounts around 1 to 2 inches within an hour are likely. Multiple rounds of storms are possible with total rainfall amounts around 2 to 4 inches. This may cause creeks and small streams to rise out of their banks with flash flooding possible.
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness informationPRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
