NoVA, DC Weather: Flash Flood Watch Issued

WASHINGTON, DC — A flash flood watch is in effect for the District of Columbia and portions of northern Virginia Wednesday afternoon, July 31. The National Weather Service issues a flash flood watch when conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.

The watch has been issued for areas along the I-95 corridor from Washington D.C northward through Maryland. Showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain — possibly 3 inches in some areas — may lead to localized areas of flash flooding.

The flash flood watch is in effect from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. A flash flood watch means there is potential for a rapid rise in water level that can be life-threatening.

Showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast Wednesday afternoon and evening. Heavy rain falling in one area could lead to up to 3 inches of rain, according to the weather service.

These areas may be affected, according to weather officials: District of Columbia, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, and Franconia.

Here's the current NWS forecast for the Washington, D.C., region:

Wednesday Afternoon: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. High near 89. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2am, then isolated showers. Some of the storms could be severe and produce heavy rainfall. Patchy fog after 2am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Isolated showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 88. Light and variable wind becoming east around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming southeast around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Friday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71.