Flood watch in effect as multiple rounds of storms approach DC area
Another round of showers and storms is rolling through the D.C. region Tuesday afternoon, bringing with it the possibility of hail, high winds and flooding. Here’s what you need to know.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for most of the D.C. area through Wednesday afternoon, with 1-2 inches of rainfall expected. Areas along the shoreline in D.C. are under a coastal flood advisory until 4 p.m.
Thunderstorms are expected Tuesday afternoon and evening, said 7News Meteorologist Eileen Whelan. She said some could be severe in the region’s southwest zones where it’s expected to be warmer.
Storms could feature small hail and damaging winds, according to the National Weather Service. An isolated tornado is possible.
- Listen to WTOP online and on the radio at 103.5 FM or 107.7 FM.
- Current traffic conditions
- Weather forecast
- Closings and Delays
- Sign up for WTOP alerts
Overall, temperatures Tuesday will be cool, with highs in the upper 50s.
Some strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible later this afternoon into the evening, especially across areas along and south of the I-66 corridor and points westward. Main threats will be large hail, damaging winds and an isolated tornado possible. pic.twitter.com/Aq2ub1EVec
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 2, 2024
A few rumbles of thunder are possible overnight, but that round of wet weather isn’t expected to be severe.
“Overnight rain tonight could give way to some flooding over creeks and streams,” said 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña. “If you come across any water over the roads, remember turn around, don’t down.”
The storms are caused by a warm front that’s lifting north.
“This grey weather pattern is going to be with us throughout the middle of the week,” said Whelan.
7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said to keep an umbrella handy Wednesday — a possible weather alert day that’s courtesy of heavy rain and chances of some strong afternoon thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail.
“The highest risk for severe weather arrives midday with the passage of the cold front,” Whelan said.
Soil will be saturated from Tuesday’s wet weather, so it won’t take much additional rain to cause some flooding, Johnson said.
Springlike temperatures take a break Thursday with a colder and blustery air mass moving in. High temperatures will be nearly 10 degrees below average in the low 50s. Factor in gusty northwestern winds, and it will feel colder, Johnson said.
Forecast
TUESDAY: Areas of rain, heavy at times. Highs in the upper 50s. Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Areas of rain, patchy fog. Lows between 47 to 50 degrees. Winds: East 5-10 mph.
WEDNESDAY: SEVERE ALERT: Areas of rain, heavy at times, thunderstorm risk, some strong to severe. Highs between 55 to 62 degrees. Winds: East to Northwest 5-15+ mph.
THURSDAY: Partly sunny, blustery, afternoon shower chance. Highs between 50 to 55 degrees. Winds: Northwest between 10 to 20 mph, with gusts of up to 30 mph.