Forecasters Put VA 'On Alert' For Potential Storm: See Impacts

Forecasters are warning of an incoming storm that could bring flooding rain and high winds to the Mid-Atlantic area. AccuWeather meteorologists haven't ruled out the storm strengthening to a tropical depression or tropical storm.

"The tropical wind and rainstorm is expected to form over the Gulf Stream off the Southeast coast Friday or over the weekend. This additional heat and energy from the warm ocean current can allow the rainstorm to strengthen further," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said.

Meteorologists' prediction for a slow-moving tropical wind and rainstorm brings concerns about lingering coastal flooding and beach erosion. Forecasters expect a round of heavy rain Friday into Saturday from the Carolinas to eastern Virginia and southeastern Maryland, especially from Interstate 95 eastward and coastal areas.

The timing and track of the storm is still uncertain. However, a "strong and slow-moving high pressure" in the North Atlantic could steer the rainstorm close to the mid-Atlantic.

"This scenario could bring heavy, tropical rain as far west as the Virginia and Pennsylvania Appalachians and even into southern New England by Sunday afternoon," AccuWeather said.

Here is the current forecast from the National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington office:

Tuesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 81. South wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 a.m. Low around 65. South wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Wednesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 a.m., then showers likely between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. High near 72. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 49. North wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 63 and clear at night, with a low around 46.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68. At night, mostly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 67. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 54.