Flood Warning Issued As Storms, Heavy Rain Target NoVA

A flood warning was issued for a portion of Northern Virginia on Thursday as multiple rounds of thunderstorms were predicted to unleash up to six inches of rain on parts of the region.

At 4:25 p.m., a flood warning was in place for Fairfax County, according to the National Weather Service. The warning includes the following cities: Annandale, Springfield, Fairfax, Burke, Newington, West Springfield, Fairfax Station, North Springfield, Ravensworth and Clifton.

"At 4:25 p.m., radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Flooding is already occurring in the warned area," the NWS said. "Between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area."

Forecasters said heavy rainfall could cause flooding of rivers, creeks and other low-lying areas. Streams were already rising Thursday due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall.

A flood watch remains in place until 2 a.m. Friday for much of the region. The watch includes Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford and Fauquier counties, as well as the cities of Falls Church, Alexandria, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Portions of the watch area were at "moderate risk" (level 3 out of 4) for flash flooding, meaning that numerous flash floods are likely, according to the NWS.

Flash flooding could be "significant" as numerous showers and thunderstorms move across the area Thursday. Storms will be capable of producing very heavy rain, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches in 30 minutes.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected, NWS forecasters said. Some areas could experience multiple rounds of thunderstorms, where higher rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches are possible.

The heaviest rainfall is likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., forecasters said.

"Have a reliable way to receive any warnings that are issued, and do not drive through flooded roads," the NWS said.

Some scattered showers could linger into the overnight hours, according to forecasts.

As the cold front responsible for Thursday's storms exits the state, temperatures will be significantly cooler Friday and through the weekend.

"Highs in the mid- to upper 70s make (Friday) the coolest day since late June!" the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said in its latest forecast. "Light winds from the north at 10 to 15 mph slowly draw in less humid air."

Here's the detailed National Weather Service forecast for Northern Virginia:

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a chance of showers. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Low around 70. North wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Friday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. North wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. North wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 85.

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