Strong Storm To Hit VA Ahead Of Halloween: See Latest Forecast

A strong storm system, fueled by a blast of cold air and energy from Hurricane Melissa as it heads out into the Atlantic, will bring up to 3 inches of rain to parts of Virginia just ahead of Halloween, according to the latest forecasts.

The good news is the storm is likely to move out of the state in time for Friday night trick-or-treating; however, Virginia will feel the brunt of the storm on the two days leading up to the holiday, according to the National Weather Service.

By mid-morning Wednesday, light showers and sprinkles are expected to move into the state, mainly west of U.S. Route 15, NWS forecasters said. Scattered showers will then develop from south to north in the afternoon.

Northern Virginia is likely to see the most rain Wednesday night into Thursday, according to the NWS. Generally, 1 to 2 inches of rain is forecast, although some locations may receive slightly less, and areas at higher elevations could see up to 3 inches.

"More consistent showers get going this evening, especially after 8 or 9 p.m., then rain is heavy at times overnight with lows in the upper 40s to low 50s," The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said in its latest forecast. "Winds ramp up from the northeast (on Wednesday) with some gusts near 30 mph."

Rain is expected to continue on Thursday, and some thunderstorms are possible, forecasters said.

"The rain should taper from west to east between roughly 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. with highs in the low to mid-60s," the Capital Weather Gang wrote. "Gusty morning winds from the east should ease a bit during the afternoon as they start to come from the south."

The incoming storm is also expected to continue eroding beaches from the Carolinas to New England, and it could impact travel in several mid-Atlantic states.

"The combination of drenching rain and gusty winds will slow motorists on the highways and can lead to airline delays in a busy corridor from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York City and Boston," AccuWeather forecasters said.

For those heading out with their little goblins and ghouls for trick-or-treating on Halloween, you're in luck. The coming storm should move out of Northern Virginia by Friday, giving way to cool, clear conditions. The wind could pose the biggest challenge, with gusts between 25 and 35 mph predicted.

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

Wednesday: Scattered showers, mainly after 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday Night: Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 2am. Low around 53. East wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then a chance of showers, mainly between 2pm and 5pm. High near 68. East wind around 14 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 60.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.