VA, DC Under Tropical Storm Watch As Isaias Churns Up East Coast

VIRGINIA — A tropical storm watch will go into effect for much of Virginia and the District of Columbia as Tropical Storm Isaias heads up the East Coast. The National Weather Service warned of the possibility of life-threatening rain and flooding along and east of the Interstate 81 corridor, with a particularly high flood threat along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor.

The tropical storm watch has been issued for Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Stafford areas.

As of 5 p.m. Sunday the storm was about 780 miles south-southwest of Washington, D.C., with 70 mph winds. It is currently moving north-northwest at 9 mph, authorities said. The National Weather Service said the

"Significant flash flooding of small streams and creeks is possible Monday night into Tuesday evening as rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Isaias spreads northward," the weather service said. "Widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible. The highest amounts are expected east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, particularly over the I-95 corridor late Monday night through Tuesday."

Moderate coastal flooding is also possible at times of high tide Tuesday as Isaias makes its closest approach to the area.

Other areas in Virginia under a tropical storm watch include: Accomack, Henrico, King William, Hampton/Poquoson, Newport News, Norfolk/Portsmouth, Northampton, Richmond, and Virginia Beach.

Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.

The weather service described these risks in areas that see torrential rains:

Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.

Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

Prepare for locally hazardous surge causing flooded roads, beach erosion and damage to marinas, docks and boardwalks along the tidal shores of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River.

A coastal flood watch will go into effect Tuesday morning through that night for the District of Columbia, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford and King George.

One to three feet of water above ground level is possible in low lying areas due to tidal flooding.

A flash flood watch has been issued for the District of Columbia and parts of Virginia Monday night through Tuesday evening. Widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches are expected, with localized higher amounts possible, the National Weather Service said.

The NHC reported the storm had sustained wind speeds of 70 miles per hour and was moving north-northwest at a rate of 9 miles per hour late Sunday afternoon. According to current forecast modeling, this general motion is expected to continue through Monday, and some fluctuations in the storm's strength are anticipated over the next 48 hours.

The storm is expected to turn north and north-northeast on Monday, accompanied by an increase in forward speed. The center of Isaias will move off the coast of Georgia and the mid-Atlantic states on Monday and Tuesday.

Isaias is expected to be near hurricane strength when it reaches the coast of the Carolinas Monday night, the National Hurricane Center said.

The flash flood watch includes DC, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Clarke, Loudoun, Fairfax, Frederick, King George, Fauquier, Prince William, Stafford, and Warren.

"Rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to start spreading northward late Monday night and continue into Tuesday evening," the weather service said. "This amount of rain is likely to result in significant flash flooding of small streams and creeks Monday night into Tuesday evening."

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. "Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation," the NWS said. "You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued."

A storm surge watch was in effect Sunday afternoon for Edisto Beach, South Carolina, to Cape Fear, North Carolina, and a tropical storm warning was in effect for Jupiter Inlet, Florida, to Surf City, North Carolina. In addition, a tropical storm watch was in effect for north of Surf City to Duck, North Carolina, as well as the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.

Heavy rainfalls are expected to continue up the East Coast, according to the NHC's forecast. Residents should be prepared for possible flash flooding. Here are the latest rainfall predictions:

• Eastern Florida: 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches.
• Northeast Florida and coastal Georgia: 1 to 3 inches.
• Carolinas and the mid Atlantic: 3 to 5 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 7 inches.
• Southeast New York and much of New England: 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches.

On Friday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam also declared a state of emergency in advance of Isaias.

"Hurricane Isaias is a serious storm, and current predictions indicate that it may impact parts of Virginia as early as this weekend," Northam said in a statement. "This state of emergency will ensure localities and communities have the assistance they need to protect the safety of Virginians, particularly as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 crisis."

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday also issued a state of emergency, unlocking access to extra resources should the storm cause damage in the Tar Heel State.

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