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Tropical Storm Debby is moving into the D.C. area Thursday, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds until Friday night. Here’s what you need to know.
A flood watch is in effect from Thursday evening to Friday night for Fauquier and Loudoun counties in Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland, according to the National Weather Service.
Three to five inches of rain are expected in counties affected by the flood watch, which extends into western Maryland, southern Virginia and northwestern Virginia. Excessive runoff could cause flooding in rivers, creeks and streams.
Local governments are offering sandbags for residents and small businesses that will be effected by the flooding. In Maryland, Prince George’s County residents can pick up four to 10 sandbags till Saturday at three different locations across the county and Annapolis residents can use their identification to pick up shovels and sandbags at the Donner Parking Lot, at 60 West Street.
In Virginia, Alexandria residents with proof of residency can collect up to five sandbags at 133 S Quaker Lane from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, a cold front that moved through the D.C. region brought heavy rain and evening showers, leaving behind between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain. Loudoun County was hit the hardest, receiving 2 to 4 inches.
7News First Alert Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff told WTOP the heaviest rain will be coming down Thursday evening and Friday morning, with rain totals reaching 1 to 3 inches in the District.
“We’re looking at the potential for some severe weather early on your Friday morning, including some damaging winds, heavy downpours and the threat for some spin ups, isolated tornadoes, as that spin is in the atmosphere,” van de Graaff said.
The worst of the storm will have passed by Friday afternoon, with skies clearing up in the evening and leaving the parting gift of a cool weekend in the low to mid-80s.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth as the impending weather “could cause transportation difficulties and power outages.” The declaration allows the state to prepare resources to help with dangerous storm conditions and recovery. The Virginia National Guard is standing by, ready to help.
“They will have about 140 of their soldiers ready to go if any need arises,” said Jason Elmore, a spokesman with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Some of those needs may be rescue. They have vehicles that can travel in flooded waters.”
The south-central area of Virginia is expected to see the most rain, upward of 6 to 7 inches, according to forecasts. Elmore said the National Guard is “vital” in this type of situation.
“They have a larger number of people that they can deploy to specific areas, and they can activate pretty quickly,” he added.
Maryland issued a state of preparedness declaration that coordinates preparations for the storm without declaring a state of emergency.
Tropical Storm Debby has already drenched the South for days as it churned slowly across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. A state of emergency is in effect for both North Carolina and Virginia.
Debby first made landfall as a category 1 hurricane early Monday along the Gulf Coast of Florida. Tropical Storm Debby made landfall for a second time Thursday morning. The National Hurricane Center says Debby came ashore early Thursday near Bulls Bay, South Carolina.
THURSDAY:
Off/on rain, heavy at times
Highs: 75-81
Winds: East 5-10 mph
Widespread moderate to heavy rain is likely due to the remnants of Debby moving through the region.
THURSDAY NIGHT: FLOOD ALERT
Rain, heavy at times
Strong to severe storms
Lows: 70s
Winds: East 10 mph
Rain from Debby will increase in intensity overnight and as the center of circulation draws near. In addition to rain, we will have the potential for some gusty winds and isolated spin-ups.
FRIDAY: SEVERE ALERT
Heavy rains and storms early
Showers taper through the afternoon
Highs: 76-82
Winds: East 5-10 mph
Widespread rain is likely due to the remnants of Debby moving through the region. Rain could become quite heavy with strong winds and isolated tornadoes early in the day.
WEEKEND:
Partly to mostly sunny
Less humid and dry
Highs: 84-89
Winds: West 5-10
Plan on a nice weekend with lowering humidity levels and a chance to dry out. Temperatures in the mid to upper 80s will make for comfortable conditions. Get outside and enjoy.
