Flash Flood Threat Moved Up, Tips to Prepare: Virginia Weather Forecast

STERLING, VA — Virginia is in the path of what the National Weather Service now describes as a powerful storm system that could bring 6 inches of rain to many areas, and a foot of rain in isolated cases. Forecasters are now urging residents to prepare for severe flooding.

A flash flood watch issued earlier for the area that will run until 8 a.m. Friday.

Rain began earlier Wednesday afternoon, and was expected to become heavier Wednesday night and continue into Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The watch area includes all of Northern Virginia, the District and much of central and western Maryland.

“Widespread rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches are expected with localized spots potentially getting up to a foot of rain,” the National Weather Service said Wednesday.

There is a high potential for flooding of small streams, as well as urban areas. Additionally there is a potential for the hardest-hit locations to see severe flooding and flash flooding, forecasters say.

The weather service urges residents to take precautions ahead of the rainfall, noting “these next few days will be a dangerous time requiring more than the usual awareness, planning and preparations.”

Be sure to:

• If you are near streams or drainage ditches keep an eye on them and be ready to quickly seek higher ground. Water may rise rapidly.
• Clear out storm drains.
• Those prone to basement flooding should prepare.
• Communities prone to flooding should prepare.

The forecast calls for:

• Wednesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Patchy fog before 9pm, then patchy fog after 3am. Low around 65. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
• Thursday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 9am. Patchy fog before 9am. High near 71. East wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.
• Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3am, then showers likely. Low around 63. East wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.
• Friday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Written by Deb Belt | Photo from Shutterstock