Flash Flood Concerns, Torrential Downpours Forecasted

Heavy rain beginning Thursday afternoon has forecasters worried about flash flooding through Friday morning.

A flash flood watch has been issued across the region through 11 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The watch area includes Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and most of Maryland.

"Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon will continue into Friday morning," according to a weather service statement. "Given ample moisture and instability, showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing torrential downpours with rainfall rates of an inch or two per hour at times."

The heavy rain may result in flash flooding of small streams, creeks and urban areas.

The weather service warns residents to monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action if flood warnings are issued.

The latest forecast, according to the weather service:

This Afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 101. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 11pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Low around 74. East wind around 5 mph becoming south after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.