The Capital Region faces flash flooding and damaging winds Tuesday night with severe storms
Reagan National Airport is facing delays ahead of thunderstorms that are expected to pass through the D.C. area Tuesday night.
The Capital Region is bracing for heavy rain and damaging winds Tuesday night as severe thunderstorms sweep through the area.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northwest D.C., southeast Montgomery and northwestern Prince George’s counties in Maryland. The warning is in effect until 11:15 p.m., after a severe storm was spotted moving at 25 mph over Chevy Chase.
Quarter-sized hail and 60 mph winds are possible.
A flash flood watch is in effect for northwest D.C., southeast Montgomery and northwest Prince George’s counties until 2:45 a.m. Wednesday.
The weather service also issued a flash flood warning for northwestern Montgomery County, in effect until 1:15 a.m. Wednesday.
Between 1.5 and 3.5 inches of rain has already fallen in the affected area, and additional amounts of 0.5 to 2 inches are possible, according to the weather service. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin soon.
The weather service reminded residents that most flood deaths occur in vehicles: “Turn around, don’t sink” if you encounter road flooding.
“At this time, the heaviest and worst storms are expected to occur between 8 p.m. (Tuesday) and 3 a.m. Wednesday,” 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said.
Johnson said there was a “moderate threat” of damaging winds and flash flooding, with rain falling in excess of one inch per hour in certain areas. This increases the risk of puddles — when flooding occurs in relatively flat areas such as roads where motorists are at risk of hydroplaning.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop to Reagan International Airport shortly before 8 p.m., preventing incoming flights from landing there until 11:15 p.m.
According to Johnson, the rain is expected to subside by 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
Climate prediction
Tuesday evening
A combination of sun and clouds
Scattered rain late in the evening and strong to severe storms
Temperature: 75-80
Wind: Southerly 5 – 15 knots per hour
Overnight
Areas of rain after midnight and wet roads on Wednesday morning
Lows: 66-71
Wind: southerly 5 knots per hour
Wednesday
Morning rain
Cool with low humidity
Highs: 77-80
Wind: northwesterly 5 – 150 knots per hour
Current weather
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