Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Flood Watch in Effect for D.C. Area
The D.C. area is currently under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. and a flood watch until 10 p.m. today. The main line of storms is moving east toward the region, with western areas expected to be impacted first. The areas east of town may experience the effects of the storms later in the evening, possibly around 8 p.m. It is important to note that the sunniest locations have a higher risk of seeing stronger storms.
After the severe thunderstorm watch ends, there may be lingering rains, and the flood watch will remain in effect until 10 p.m. The storms are accompanied by lightning and heavy downpours, which could lead to potential flooding. The heavy rain could last up to an hour to an hour and a half in any given location. Additionally, damaging wind gusts above 57 mph may be limited to the main line of storms moving eastward through the region until about 8 p.m. and may target the areas that were sunniest this afternoon.
Most locations in the D.C. area have a greater than 50 percent chance of seeing some rain today. Temperatures will remain muggy, with lows hovering in the mid-60s to about 70 degrees. It is advised to stay updated with the current weather conditions and take necessary precautions.
Looking ahead, tomorrow (Monday) may see quick showers or a storm at any time, but the chance of precipitation will decrease gradually throughout the day, allowing the sunshine to increase. Heat index values are expected to stay below 90 degrees, thanks to lower dew points in the mid-60s and cooler high temperatures in the mid-80s. Refreshing northwest breezes may occasionally gust to about 15 mph.
As for tonight, the skies will finally clear and there will be a decrease in activity. Overnight temperatures will cool into the mid-60s to about 70 degrees, due in part to light northwesterly breezes.
For more detailed forecasts through the week, you can listen to Molly Robey’s forecast and join the weekly Sunday Sunset Live Q&A at 8:36 p.m. on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
It is important to be cautious during today’s storms, as they bring the potential for flooding and wind damage. The severe thunderstorm watch will be in effect until 8 p.m., and there are other watches in effect north and south of the core D.C. area. The threat of wind damage should decrease after 7 p.m., but the possibility of flooding downpours will remain until after 10 p.m.
The timing of the main line of storms in each county is as follows:
– 1 to 4 p.m.: Fauquier and Loudoun
– 2 to 5 p.m.: Carroll, Fairfax, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince William, Stafford
– 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.: D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, Prince George’s, Charles
– 4 to 8 p.m.: Anne Arundel, Calvert, St. Mary’s
The biggest threat tonight is flooding, with a probability of over 40 percent. Damaging wind gusts (above 57 mph) are the next most likely threat after the flooding. It is crucial to remember the phrase “turn around, don’t drown.” Never attempt to travel through a flooded area. Updates on the situation will be discussed further in the weekly Sunday Sunset Live Q&A chat at 8:36 p.m.
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Stay safe and take necessary precautions during this severe weather event.