Flash Flood, Severe Storm Watches Up For DC, NoVA Ahead Of Laura

WASHINGTON, DC — With the remnants of Tropical Depression Laura heading east, much of northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., are under a severe thunderstorm watch Friday afternoon and evening. Forecasters say scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely, damaging wind gusts are possible, and there may be isolated cases of flooding.

A flash flood watch is in effect until 4 a.m. Saturday for the District, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, Fauquier, Prince William, and Loudoun.

Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday evening into the overnight hours which could produce heavy rainfall, with 2 and 4 inches of rain likely in some areas.

Areas that receive several inches of rain could see rapid rises of water, flooded roads, and flooding in buildings in low-lying areas near streams, the Weather Service said.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to dangerous flash flooding. Residents should monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued, the agency said.

The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.

These areas are included in the severe thunderstorm watch: the District of Columbia, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Loudoun, Chantilly, Leesburg, McLean, Sterling and Woodbridge.

Fredericksburg is under a hazardous weather outlook Friday.

"The primary threat is damaging winds, though large hail or an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out," the National Weather Service said. "Thunderstorms may also produce isolated instances of flooding through this evening."

Those in warned areas should go to the interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

As the remains of Laura pass through the region, the National Weather Service reports damaging wind gusts are possible Saturday around the state.

Here's the weekend weather forecast:

Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 3am, then scattered showers. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday: Scattered showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 9am. High near 84. Southwest wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 9pm, then a slight chance of showers between 9pm and 3am. Low around 67. West wind 6 to 9 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.