Weekend washout: Heavy rain for DC area brings flood risk
Drenching downpours late Friday night into Saturday afternoon will bring flood risks this weekend.
A flood watch for most of the broader D.C. region goes into effect at 2 a.m. Saturday and lasts until 2 p.m., the National Weather Service said.
The rain is expected to spread over most of the D.C. area some time after 9 p.m., according to 7News First Alert meteorologist Steve Rudin.
On the plus side, “at least it’s going to be dry for the evening rush hour commute. The showers should hold off for the metro area at least until about 8 or 9 p.m.,” Rudin said.
That rain is likely to intensify after midnight, bringing the threat of localized flooding.
Rudin said the general guideline they’re using is between one and three inches of rain. The heaviest rainfall is anticipated to be along, and east, of the Interstate 95 corridor.
The Flood Watch has been expanded to cover most locations east of the Blue Ridge. This is in effect on Sat 2 AM-2 PM where 1.50-2.50″ of rainfall is possible. In particular, rates could push up to 0.50-1.00″ per hour which would enhance the threat for flooding. #MDwx #VAwx #DCwx pic.twitter.com/104KMUbPuZ
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 22, 2024
Once the rain ends, “winds are going to crank up,” Rudin said.
Expect gusts between 35 and 40 mph.
“If you have plans to check out the cherry blossoms this afternoon and evening, maybe your best bet is check them out at peak bloom Sunday,” Rudin said.
Full 7News First Alert weekend forecast
FRIDAY:
Partly cloudy, breezy
Highs: 52-58 degrees
Winds: Southeast 5-15 mph, gusts to 20 mph
Freezing temperatures are expected to start the day with wake-up temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s. It will be seasonable by the afternoon with highs in the 50s. Clouds will increase late in the day ahead of our next weather maker. Wet weather will overspread the DMV tonight (after 9 p.m. for most).
FRIDAY NIGHT:
Showers, areas of rain
Lows: 40s
Winds: Southeast 10-20 mph
A flood watch will begins at 2 a.m. Rain intensity will increase overnight with the potential for localized flooding.
SATURDAY:
FLOOD WATCH 2AM-2PM
Moderate to heavy rain
Highs: 50s
Winds: Northeast 10-20 mph, gusts to 30 mph
Areas of moderate to heavy rain during the morning will taper to showers during the afternoon. Rainfall totals are trending between 1 to 3 inches, with the heaviest rain falling east and along the I-95 corridor. A flood watch has been posted for all areas inside the beltway and surrounding counties. Localized flooding is possible. Northwesterly will increase during the afternoon with windy conditions expected at night. Wind gusts over 30 mph are likely after 7 p.m.
SUNDAY:
Mostly sunny, blustery
Highs: Around 55 degrees
Winds: North 10-20 mph, gusts to 35 mph
You’ll wake up to wind chills in the 20s Sunday morning. Sunday will be blustery and brighter with sunshine and highs in the mid 50s. Northwesterly winds will gust over 30 mph during the first half of the day. The wind will decrease during the afternoon