Heavy Rainfall In NoVA, DC: Flash Flood Warning For Some Parts

WASHINGTON, DC — Rain is drenching the DC region Thursday, bringing a flash flood warning in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.

A flash flood warning was issued until 8:15 p.m. Thursday due to heavy rain. The area has seen 1 to 3 inches of rain already fall, and flash flooding is expected to begin. Additional 1 to 2 inches can be expected.

Heavy rainfall in short time particularly creates a concern of rapidly rising water in streams, creeks and urban areas.

Areas under the warning area central Fairfax County, southeastern Loudoun County, western Alexandria, City of Fairfax and City of Falls Church. Areas that may experience flooding are Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Leesburg, Annandale, Springfield, Herndon, Fairfax, Vienna, Groveton, Falls Church, Broadlands, Lansdowne, Lowes Island, Brambleton, Mantua, Fort Belvoir, Pimmit Hills, Dulles International Airport, and Ashburn.

A flash flood watch was previously issued by the NWS from noon to midnight. Forecasters expect a cold front moving into the area will spur slow-moving thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening. Due to the movement of the storms and moisture in the atmosphere, NWS says storms could bring 2 to 4 inches of rain in a short time, causing a flash flooding risk.

Areas under the flash flood watch are the District of Columbia and the following areas of Virginia: Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Clarke County, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Frederick County, northern Fauquier County, Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Shenandoah County, and Warren County.

A risk of flooding continues into Friday. The NWS forecast for DC anticipates showers and possible thunderstorms before 11 a.m. Friday. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent and drops to 30 percent Friday night.

Here is the DC forecast for the upcoming days.

Friday: Showers likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 11 a.m. Patchy fog between noon and 2pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 73. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65 and a 30 percent chance of precipitation.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 88. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 65.