Flood watch until 8 p.m., with hourly rainfall rates of 1.5 to 2 inches possible | Severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m.
A new wave of storms is set to sweep across the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Fredericksburg until 4:30 p.m. These storms are moving at a speed of 40 mph and are expected to mainly affect the District and areas to the south and east. While flooding is not a major concern due to the fast movement of the storms, localized high water and strong wind gusts are possible. Areas such as Alexandria, Waldorf, and La Plata are likely to be affected.
The heaviest rain has already pushed east of the District and is not as intense as initially feared. The storms that developed to the west of the Beltway quickly moved through Northern Virginia and the District, with only a few areas experiencing heavy rain. The heaviest downpours are currently focused in the zone just south of Baltimore through Glen Burnie, Bowie, Annapolis, and southern Anne Arundel County. These storms may intensify as they continue to move east and northeast.
Storms with heavy rain and lightning have moved inside the Beltway but are not yet severe. The primary concern is that these downpours are occurring over the same areas that experienced flooding yesterday. They are sweeping toward the northeast and could affect areas in the District where flooding occurred. However, the storms are expected to move fast enough that the rain won’t last as long as yesterday. Most places should see storms for no more than 30 to 45 minutes before the rain ends.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued until 9 p.m. for the immediate Washington and Baltimore areas and locations to the east. The National Weather Service has warned that scattered thunderstorms will develop this afternoon ahead of an approaching cold front. Some of these storms may become severe, with a risk of locally damaging wind gusts. There is also a small chance of large hail and/or an isolated tornado. A flood watch is also in effect until 8 p.m. due to the risk of torrential rain causing areas of high water.
It is important to stay alert and be ready to take action during storm watches. If a storm warning is issued for your location, seek shelter immediately. It is best to avoid traveling during severe thunderstorm and flood warnings. If you encounter a flooded road while driving, do not attempt to drive through as water levels are difficult to judge. Turn around and find an alternate route.
The severe thunderstorm affecting the D.C. area is expansive, covering the zone from northeast North Carolina to central New Jersey and affecting over 20 million people.
After the storms move out, the heat and humidity should ease heading into Wednesday. Tomorrow is expected to be a pleasant day with lots of sun and a pleasant breeze from the northwest. High temperatures will mainly be in the mid- to upper 80s.
How likely is it that the storms south of Baltimore will intensify and what potential impacts could they have as they move eastward
Flood Watch Extended Until 8 p.m., Potential for 1.5 to 2 Inches of Rainfall per Hour | Severe Thunderstorm Watch Continues until 9 p.m.
Residents in the southern and eastern suburbs of Washington, D.C should remain vigilant as a fresh wave of storms is expected to sweep through the area. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Fredericksburg until 4:30 p.m. These storms are moving at a rapid pace of 40 mph and are likely to impact the District and areas south and east of it. Although the storms are moving quickly, there is a possibility of localized high water and strong wind gusts, although major flooding is not a significant concern. Locations such as Alexandria, Waldorf, and La Plata are expected to bear the brunt of the storms.
Fortunately, the heaviest rain has already moved east of the District and is not as intense as originally anticipated. The storms that formed to the west of the Beltway rapidly traversed Northern Virginia and the District, with only a few areas experiencing heavy rainfall. Currently, the most intense downpours are concentrated in the area just south of Baltimore, including Glen Burnie, Bowie, Annapolis, and southern Anne Arundel County. These storms have the potential to intensify as they continue advancing eastward.
Stay safe everyone! Don’t forget to prepare your emergency kits and have a plan in place.