The D.C. area is facing heavy rain and damaging winds Tuesday night into Wednesday as severe thunderstorms roll through the region. Here’s what you need to know.
Quarter-sized hail and 60 mph winds are possible.
Between 1.5 and 3.5 inches of rain have 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 shortly.
The weather service reminded residents that most flood deaths occur in vehicles: “Turn around, don’t drown” if you encounter flooding on roadways.
“At this time, the heaviest and worst of storms is expected between 8 p.m. [Tuesday] and 3 a.m. Wednesday,” said 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson.
Johnson said there is a “moderate threat” of damaging winds and flash flooding, with rain rates over one inch per hour in certain areas. This increases the risk of ponding — when flooding occurs in relatively flat areas like roadways where motorists risk hydroplaning.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for the Reagan International Airport shortly before 8 p.m., preventing inbound flights from landing there until 11:15 p.m.
Showers should ease by 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to Johnson.
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Forecast
TUESDAY EVENING
Mix of Sun and Clouds
Late Evening Rain & Isolated Strong to Severe Storms
Temps: 75-80
Winds: South 5-15 mph
OVERNIGHT
Areas of rain after midnight, Wet roads for Wednesday morning
Lows: 66-71
Winds: South 5 mph
WEDNESDAY
Morning Showers
Cooler with Falling Humidity
Highs: 77-80
Winds: Northwest 5-150 mph