Flash Flood Warning Extended For NoVA, District To Thursday

GEORGETOWN, DC — Flash flooding is expected in the District of Columbia Wednesday night and residents in some parts of Georgetown have been told to move to higher ground, according to the National Weather Service. Officials issued a flash flood warning around 7:30 p.m.; the warning was extended and is in effect until 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 26, for parts of northern Virginia, too.

Weather officials said they issued the flash flood warning because radar showed thunderstorms with heavy rain across the area. Flash flood warnings are issued when flash flooding, or a rapid rise in water level, is imminent or occurring. At 10:16 p.m., local law enforcement reported many roads remained blocked by high water.

Four Mile Run in Alexandria rose from about 4.3 ft at 7:16 p.m. to 10.6 ft at 7:27 p.m., a rise of 6.3 ft in 11 minutes, the Weather Service said. "Stay away from any stream or creek in the Washington DC Metro Area this evening! Even if it has stopped raining, the water will continue to runoff."

"Those in Georgetown up to near the National Zoo and Rock Creek National Park, as well as near Connecticut Avenue and American University, should seek higher ground immediately," the NWS said. "Avoid area creeks
and streams. They are rising very rapidly. 1.5 to 2 inches of rain has fallen in the last hour and another 1 to 2 inches is expected."

Locations in the flood warning area include the District of Columbia, the City of Fairfax, Arlington County, the city of Falls Church, Fairfax County, Prince William County and the city of Alexandria.

During a flash flood warning, drivers who come across roads covered in water should turn around; don't drown. Those in flood-prone areas should move to higher ground. Pedestrians should not walk through flood waters.

Since Saturday, BWI Airport has received a total of 10.78 inches of rain; Dulles International Airport has gotten a total of 6.34 inches of rain; and Reagan National Airport had a total of 5.73 inches of rain fall in the last five days, WTOP reports.

Because the ground is already saturated, heavy rain could lead to flash flooding. Roads and poorly drained areas can quickly become inundated during a flash flood.

Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties. Residents should monitor the forecast and be prepared to take action if a flash flood warning is issued, according to the National Weather Service.

See a map of the latest warnings and watches from the National Weather Service.

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Graphic via the National Weather Service.