NoVA Storm Forecast: Flood And High Wind Warnings, School Closures

VIRGINIA — A powerful storm is bringing flooding and high wind warnings to Northern Virginia. Some school districts dismissed their students early ahead of the weather threat.

On Tuesday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Northern Virginia through 11 p.m. Rainfall totals of between 1.5 to 3 inches are expected, with localized amounts up to 4 inches possible.

Meteorologists at NBC4 said Tuesday's storm "will be a high impact event for the entire area."

Heavy rains in a short period of time will lead to flash and urban flooding. "Make certain your gutters and storm drains are clear of debris! Never, EVER drive on a flooded road. Turn around, don't drown!" NBC4 said.

Around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the NWS issued a high wind warning for Northern Virginia until 1 a.m. on Wednesday. Southeast winds of 25 to 40 mph are expected, with gusts up to 60 mph possible, the weather service said.

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines," the NWS said. "Widespread power outages are expected."

On Tuesday, the higher elevations of the western portion of Virginia are forecast to see a period of snow and freezing rain early in the day, before switching over to rain by late Tuesday morning. Areas of flooding will be possible due to the saturated soils already in place.

READ ALSO: Fredericksburg Area Schools Change Schedule For Tuesday

Some area school systems have announced closures and early dismissals due to the forecast. Spotsylvania and Culpeper County schools are closed Tuesday, while Fauquier County schools will close early, with secondary schools dismissing at 11 a.m. and elementary schools at noon.

Fredericksburg City school and Stafford County schools will follow early dismissal plans to close two hours early.

Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all afternoon and evening activities due to the strength of the storm, including extracurricular activities, team practices, field trips, middle school after-school programs, professional learning and training courses, and Adult and Community Education classes.

The Virginia Department of Transportation said its crews will be monitoring roadways and treating conditions as they develop.

"This severe weather system may cause downed trees and power lines and other debris, as well as flooding that will make roadways extremely hazardous or impassable," VDOT said.

If downed power lines are in state maintained roadways, VDOT said its crews must await the electric utility company to remove any electrical hazard before removing downed trees or other roadway debris.

"Tree and property damage are likely. Large tree limbs may come crashing down on sidewalks, vehicles, homes and businesses without notice," AccuWeather forecasters said. "Trash cans and other unsecured items in neighborhoods may become projectiles."

A coastal flood watch is in effect from 10 p.m. on Tuesday to 7 a.m. on Wednesday for southeastern Prince William and Stafford, with coastal flooding possible during Tuesday night's high tide along the Potomac River, the NWS said.

"Numerous roads may be closed. Low-lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may be inundated. Some shoreline erosion may occur." the weather service said.

The flood watch is in effect due to the storm gathers a great deal of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic and then drops it over the mid-Atlantic, according to AccuWeather.

"A general 1-3 inches of rain alone that falls on the saturated ground from prior storms back through December is enough to lead to rapid flooding in poor drainage areas and along small streams," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said.

Winds will remain gusty on Wednesday, as the rain ends. The next chance of rain in Northern Virginia is Friday afternoon.

"The heaviest rain and strongest winds could come through during [Tuesday] evening, with even some thunder in the mix," The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said Tuesday. "The rain tapers by around midnight and drier weather wins out tomorrow, but those pesky winds hang around. Yet another big storm arrives later on Friday, with chilly air filtering in behind it during the holiday weekend."

Here is a look at the forecast for Northern Virginia through the end of the week from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Rain, mainly after 8 a.m. High near 58. Breezy, with an east wind 9 to 14 mph, increasing to 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Tuesday night: Rain, mainly before 2 a.m. Low around 42. Windy, with a southeast wind 23 to 28 mph, becoming southwest 16 to 21 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday: A slight chance of rain before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Breezy, with a west wind of 16 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. West wind 11 to 16 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 51. Southwest wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Friday: Rain after 2 p.m. High near 54.

Friday night: Rain, mainly before 2 a.m. Low around 42. Windy.

Saturday: A chance of rain before 8 a.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Windy.