Weather

UPDATE: Severe thunderstorm and flood watches issued ahead of evening storms

Rainy drive in Clarendon (file photo)

Updated at 2:15 p.m. — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was also just issued for the area.

Earlier: Arlington and much of the D.C. and Baltimore area is under a Flood Watch today, starting at 4 p.m.

Storms are expected later today, forecasters say. Heavy rain and strong winds are likely.

“Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening,” the National Weather Service says. “Damaging wind gusts and large hail are the primary threats. An isolated tornado is also possible.”

More on the Flood Watch from NWS, below.

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince George’s and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Fairfax and Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park.

* WHEN…From 4 PM EDT this afternoon through this evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Strong to severe thunderstorms will move across the region late this afternoon through the evening hours. Heavy rain will accompany a number of these storms which may drop 1 to 2 inches of rainfall in an hour. Additionally, some regions could see repeat thunderstorm activity leading to an enhanced threat for flooding.
– http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.