The City of Alexandria is under a flood watch until 11 p.m. tonight, as the National Weather Service warns of potential flooding from excessive rainfall across the Washington metropolitan area.
The flood watch, issued at 3:07 p.m. on Monday by the NWS Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC office, covers Alexandria, along with Arlington, Falls Church, and other parts of northern Virginia. The alert remains in effect until 11 p.m. EDT this evening.
The National Weather Service forecasts a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon in Alexandria, with temperatures reaching near 91 degrees and heat index values as high as 100. Tonight, the chance of precipitation drops to 60%, with storms likely mainly before 1 a.m.
According to the weather service, thunderstorms are expected to develop within the next few hours across the Baltimore and Washington metro areas. These storms pose a particular flooding risk because they are forecast to be slow-moving systems capable of producing intense rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.
The combination of heavy rainfall and slow storm movement could lead to flash flooding of Alexandria’s small streams, creeks, urban areas, and locations with poor drainage. The weather service warns that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations throughout the city.
The flooding concerns continue into Tuesday, with an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms expected and rainfall amounts between a quarter and a half inch possible. Tuesday night is expected to bring continued precipitation, with amounts ranging from a half to three-quarters of an inch possible, potentially extending the potential for flooding beyond tonight’s watch period.
The National Weather Service advises Alexandria residents to monitor later forecasts and remain alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Residents can find additional flood safety and preparedness information at www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
The alert is part of a broader flood watch covering portions of Washington D.C., Maryland counties including Anne Arundel, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, Frederick, Baltimore, and Prince Georges, as well as northern Virginia areas including Eastern Loudoun and Fairfax counties.
