Residents across the Washington D.C. area are facing a soggy and potentially hazardous start to their weekend as the National Weather Service (NWS) keeps a Flood Watch in effect until this afternoon. The warning, which underscores the real threat of urban and small stream flooding due to anticipated heavy rainfall, was still in place early Saturday morning, with the heaviest downpours expected to subside by afternoon. According to NWS, "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible."
The deluge, which could tally up between 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain, is forecasted to wash out several regions. The Flood Watch encompasses District of Columbia, Cecil, Anne Arundel, and several other counties across Maryland and northern parts of Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria. "Rainfall of 1.5 to 2.5 inches is most likely late tonight through Saturday morning," an NWS official noted. The bulletin cautions that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
While Saturday's rain is expected to clear out by the afternoon, giving way to a breezy evening with clearer skies, the dropping temperatures heading into Sunday might offer little comfort to those affected by the flooding. Forecasters anticipate the weather to turn sunny on Sunday with a high near 53 degrees, but gusty winds up to 23 mph could add a chill to the air, according to NWS reports.
Precautionary steps are advised for residents in the affected areas. The weather service's statement emphasized the importance of being alert for possible Flood Warnings, advising that those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. As conditions evolve, ongoing weather updates can be found on the NWS website, where officials also encourage reviewing flood safety and preparedness information available to the public. With a partial break in the weather expected as the new week rolls in, many hope that the worst of this storm will be a swiftly passing memory.
