Hurricane Zeta Remnants Could Impact DC, NoVA Region

WASHINGTON, DC — The remnants of Hurricane Zeta bring potential for heavy rains and other impacts. Forecasters said the storm, which is expected to make landfall in Louisiana Wednesday, will be downgraded to a gale-force low pressure area off the Mid-Atlantic coast by Thursday night.

Chris Strong of the National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington office said in a video update Tuesday afternoon that the greatest regional impacts are expected to be marine winds on the Chesapeake Bay and tidal Potomac River. The storm is anticipated to track through the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday and Thursday night with the potential for heavy rainfall, localized flooding and winds.

There is a minimal chance of tropical storm-force winds of 39 mph or greater, according to the National Weather Service. The greatest likelihood in the region is southern Maryland with a 20 to 30 percent chance and arrival on Thursday afternoon.

Wind gusts for much of the NWS Baltimore-Washington office forecast area are expected to be 15 to 20 mph on Thursday into Friday. The Chesapeake Bay, tidal Potomac and adjacent shorelines in southern Maryland could expect wind gusts 30 to 40 mph, and there's potential for gale warnings on tidal Potomac and Chesapeake Bay.

Much of the forecast area, including Northern Virginia and DC, has a slight risk for heavy rainfall Thursday and Thursday night. Rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is forecast across most of the area, but higher amounts are possible in central Virginia. Areas that get higher amounts could see isolated instances of flooding.

"During the fall time, especially in urban areas, clogged drains and leaves can cause problems to make the problem worse than it otherwise would be," said Strong in Tuesday's NWS video update on Zeta.

The risk of severe storms and tornadoes is marginal in southern Virginia. Only if Zeta would take a more northern track, there would be an increased risk in more northern parts of the state.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management urged residents to be prepared for moderate or heavy rainfall. Residents can follow the NWS Baltimore-Washington office for weather updates.

Here is the NWS forecast into the weekend for Washington, DC:

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. Then rain, mainly after 2 a.m with a low around 55. The Chance of precipitation is 100 percent at night.

Thursday: Rain with a high near 61. The chance of precipitation is 100 percent with new precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. At night, the chance of precipitation drops to 80 percent with new precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Friday: Rain before 8 a.m., then showers likely between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and a high near 51. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent. Overnight, areas of frost are expected after 5 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Saturday: Areas of frost before 9 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 52. The night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61. At night, partly cloudy with a low around 37.