(Updated at 4:50 p.m.) Floodwaters have receded after Columbia Pike was blocked at S. Greenbrier Street around 3:30 this afternoon.
At least one car was stuck in the high water, near the 55 Hundred apartments, just west of the county line, prompting a water rescue operation. Other traffic could be seen turning around.
Firefighters successfully rescued the driver of the vehicle that was stuck, according to scanner traffic.
https://twitter.com/News_MTorres/status/1438602239594094593
This is a view of the stranded car on Columbia Pike at S. Frederick Street (5500 block). @ArlingtonVaFD on scene working to make sure driver & passengers are safe. @WTOPtraffic @WTOP @ARLnowDOTcom #firefighters #weather #traffic #vatraffic pic.twitter.com/nqVEPVHyRU
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) September 16, 2021
Reports of flooding came as the National Weather Service issued a new Flood Warning for the county. Just before 4 p.m., a Flash Flood Warning was also issued.
From NWS:
Flash Flood Warning including Arlington VA, Annandale VA, West Falls Church VA until 7:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/8DkOLtI6d6
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) September 16, 2021
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
* FLOOD WARNING…
* UNTIL 930 PM EDT THURSDAY.
* AT 321 PM EDT, DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED HEAVY RAIN DUE TO THUNDERSTORMS. FLOODING IS ONGOING OR EXPECTED TO BEGIN SHORTLY IN THE WARNED AREA. BETWEEN 1 AND 1.5 INCHES OF RAIN HAVE FALLEN.
* SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE… ARLINGTON… ALEXANDRIA… BETHESDA… RESTON… ANNANDALE… SPRINGFIELD… FORT WASHINGTON… FAIRFAX… LANGLEY PARK… FORT HUNT… VIENNA… GROVETON… FALLS CHURCH… HUNTINGTON… CORAL HILLS… BLADENSBURG… MANTUA… PIMMIT HILLS… NATIONAL HARBOR… ROSSLYN…
ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN THE WARNED AREA.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS. MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN VEHICLES.
In addition to the Pike flooding, high standing water was reported along I-395.
Flooding on 395 leaving VA right before the 14th street bridge. Cars are getting stuck. pic.twitter.com/luu4Vu15Jd
— Killmoenews (@Killmoenews1) September 16, 2021
Already have some flooding on I-395NB by the Pentagon in Arlington. #vawx pic.twitter.com/hpbNmjkLdj
— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) September 16, 2021
Appears to be a little high water on the left side of I-395N, main lanes, before Exit 10C and the 14th Street Bridge. @WTOPtraffic @VaDOTNOVA @ARLnowDOTcom #traffic #vatraffic #dctraffic #STATcam #395cam pic.twitter.com/lgdLKRloQq
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) September 16, 2021
Previously, NWS issued a Flash Flood Watch for the area, effective until 9 p.m.
The rain has already cancelled at least one local event, a pop-up jazz performance in Rosslyn.
☔ Due to incoming storms, this evening's Pop-Up performance at Continental Beer Garden has been canceled for the safety of our performers, equipment and guests. We're looking forward to this Saturday's #RosslynJazz Festival at Gateway Park: https://t.co/I8LZoyBpaC pic.twitter.com/NNkgER3A8O
— Rosslyn, Virginia (@RosslynVA) September 16, 2021