Get ready for another stormy afternoon — and possible flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Arlington and the immediate D.C. region. The watch, which takes effect at 1 p.m., cautions that heavy rain which can cause dangerous, rapid flooding is expected this afternoon and evening.
Yesterday’s afternoon thunderstorm toppled trees around Arlington and knocked out power to several thousand homes and businesses. No significant flooding was reported locally, but the storm left the ground waterlogged and thus increased the chances of flooding today.
More from NWS:
A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for areas along the I-95 corridor this afternoon into tonight. Showers and thunderstorms are likely to bring heavy rainfall, which could lead to instances of flash flooding, especially in urban areas. pic.twitter.com/8TRQXYpqgA
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 27, 2021
…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING…
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Flash Flood Watch for portions of DC, central Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In central Maryland, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery and Prince Georges. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria and Fairfax.
* From 1 PM EDT this afternoon through this evening.
* Numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening. Average rainfall amounts are expected to be between one half to one inch. However, thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, causing localized amounts of 2 to 4 inches possible. While storms are possible any time this afternoon through this evening, the most widespread thunderstorm activity is most likely to be late this afternoon through early this evening.
* Heavy rainfall amounts in a short period of time may result in rapid rises on streams and creeks as well as the potential for flash flooding in urban areas.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.