Storms bringing heavy rains and wind make wet and wild comeback into DC area Friday evening
D.C. area storm watches and warnings have taken effect as a wave of storms that could produce flooding in already rain-swollen waterways enter the region. Here’s what you need to know.
A Flood Watch is in effect for the D.C. region and is expected to last through 6 a.m. Saturday.
Gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and minor-moderate tidal flooding will impact portions of the area the rest of today and into Saturday. Numerous headlines are in effect for these hazards, visit https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr for the latest information. pic.twitter.com/e8FmpcsnSO
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) January 12, 2024
The National Weather Services says a storm system bringing rain and winds is likely to continue moving through the area until Saturday morning, with rain developing around 6 p.m. for most of the region.
“Flooding rains are possible with a Flood Watch in place over a large portion of the region. Additionally, coastal flooding and strong winds will also be accompanying threat,” the agency said.
Ahead of the storm, 7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan said the region could see a half-inch to 1 inch of rain.
Get the latest weather online and on the 8s at 103.5FM.
“So if we do have some higher rainfall rates later tonight, we could see the potential for flooding, because you know we’re coming off Tuesday’s storm with well over 2 inches of rain,” Whelan said.
Along with the rain, expect strong winds with gusts upward of 40 mph.
By midnight, most of the rain should exit the area, but gusty winds will stick around for Saturday. A wind advisory has been issued for Saturday, between 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. with some gusts upward of 50 mph possible.
Things are expected to calm down for the remainder of the weekend but the National Weather Service says you should be prepared for a wintry blast next week.
“The coldest air mass of the season arrives early/mid next week,” NWS said. “This will result in well below normal temperatures and very low wind chills at times.”
Earlier this week, heavy wind and rain battered the area, leading to near-historic flooding in Annapolis, Maryland, inundating roadways, and knocking down trees and power-lines.
Full forecast
FLOOD WATCH 6 P.M. FRIDAY UNTIL 6 A.M. SATURDAY
WIND ADVISORY 7 A.M. UNTIL 4 P.M. SATURDAY
FRIDAY:
Increasing clouds, evening rain and wind
Highs: 40s, rising to 50s after sunset
Winds: Southeast 10-20, Gusts to 30+ mph
Most of the day will remain dry, with temperatures in the 40s. As the next weather system approaches from the west, plan for an increase in clouds and wind. Be prepared for wet conditions during the evening rush hour, with the heaviest rain arriving later in the evening. A flood watch has been posted beginning Friday at 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. Rainfall totals will be between .75″ to 1 inch. After sunset, temperatures will climb into the 50s, reaching their peak just before midnight with southeasterly winds gusting 30-40 mph.
SATURDAY:
WIND ALERT
Falling temperatures, gusty winds
Temperatures: 50s to 40s
Winds: Southwest 15-15, Gusts to 40 mph
Plan for cold and wind whipped day! Our team is on a “wind alert” with a wind advisory in effect from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wind gusts will range from 40-50 mph during that time frame. With the combination of strong winds and falling temperatures, afternoon wind chill will make it feel like the 30s.
SUNDAY:
Mostly sunny
Highs: 40-45
Winds: Northwest 10-20, Gusts to 30 mph
Blustery conditions will continue on Sunday with gusts up to 30 mph. Wind chills on Sunday morning will be in the teens and low 20s. Afternoon wind chills will make it feel like the low 30s.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Latest guidance calls for a calm, but cold Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Our next weather maker arrives Tuesday, bringing the potential for a wintry mix and accumulating snow.