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Flash flood watch for DC area as slow-moving storms roll in

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood emergency for central Loudoun County, Virginia, until 2:15 a.m.


A flash flood watch remains in effect until 6 a.m. for most of the D.C. area as scattered, slow-moving thunderstorms and downpours are expected to roll through the region Thursday evening. A flash flood watch means conditions could develop that lead to rapid rises on streams and in low-lying areas.

A flash flood warning is in effect for southwestern Spotsylvania County, Virginia, until 10:45 p.m. The scattered showers and storms are expected to arrive during the evening hours, according to Storm Team 4 meteorologist Amelia Draper. “Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be slow moving and produce heavy rain — up to 2 inches of rain is possible in spots,” Draper said. “And this could lead to flooding pretty easily, because we already have saturated ground out there,” especially in Southern Maryland, which was drenched by Tropical Storm Isaias.

Some storms could be strong with gusty winds and torrential downpours. More scattered showers and storms are likely Friday and expect cloudy, muggy conditions otherwise. High pressure will then move in over the weekend, pushing the front away and drying the region out a bit.

Current conditions

Forecast

Friday: Scattered storms and downpours possible again, but otherwise, plenty of clouds and muggy. Highs: low to mid-80s Saturday: Partly sunny and humid, with late-day scattered storms, possibly mainly east of D.C. Highs: mid to upper 80s Sunday: Partly sunny and humid with an isolated shower or storm possible. Highs: mid to upper 80s

Cloudy start from overnight rain gives way to sunshine Friday

Most of the rain has left the D.C. area, and there could still be some flooding on vulnerable area roadways and along small streams. But Friday will see some sunshine and seasonably pleasant temperatures. Here's what you need to know. There may still be some isolated showers and patchy drizzle overnight. Friday will start off cloudy, but by late morning to midday, you will see sunshine from west to east.
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