The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Alexandria and surrounding areas through 9 p.m. Wednesday as thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall are expected to move through the region.
The watch, issued at 11:57 a.m., covers Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax County and parts of the District of Columbia and Maryland, including Anne Arundel, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
Meteorologists warn that thunderstorms this afternoon and evening could produce localized rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches within an hour. Multiple rounds of storms are possible, with total rainfall amounts forecast at 2 to 4 inches across the watch area.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the weather service stated in its alert. “Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
The heavy rainfall could cause creeks and small streams to rise out of their banks, creating flash flooding conditions. Areas with poor drainage and urban locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid water accumulation.
Residents should monitor weather conditions throughout the day and be prepared to take action if flash flood warnings are issued. The weather service advises avoiding driving through flooded roadways, as it takes only 6 inches of moving water to knock down an adult and 12 inches to carry away a vehicle.
Those in flood-prone areas should have a plan to move to higher ground quickly if conditions worsen. The weather service recommends staying informed through weather radio, local media or their website at weather.gov.
The flood watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday for the immediate Alexandria area.
