Arlington and most of the D.C. area is now under both a Tornado Watch and a Flood Watch.
The Tornado Watch is in effect until 2 p.m. Friday while the Flood Watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Both were issued Thursday evening while the former Gulf Coast hurricane now labeled as Tropical Depression Debby makes its way north into Virginia.
Several inches of rain are expected over the next 24 hours or so, in addition to what’s already fallen today amid rounds of tropical showers. Periods of heavy rain could lead to localized flooding, though areas to the west are likely to see more severe impacts.
There is also a risk of tornados later tonight and Friday morning as Debby’s center approaches the D.C. area. A possible tornado already spawned in Montgomery County earlier this evening.
A New Tornado Watch has been issued for portions of northern Virginia, the DC and Baltimore metro areas and east. This watch is in effect until 2pm. Stay weather aware today as remnants of Debby move through. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx pic.twitter.com/JEEGJVIWH3
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 9, 2024
🌪️ GROWING TORNADO THREAT WITH DEBBY:
There is growing concern that tornadoes may impact
portions of the area. Tornadoes are usual with the remains of tropical systems on the eastern side of the storm.The greatest chance for our region will be late this evening into the… pic.twitter.com/5ugmBbUGIB
— Washingtonian Weather Geeks (@WashingtonianWx) August 8, 2024
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
509 PM EDT Thu Aug 8 2024
…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING…
* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.
* WHERE…Portions of DC… Maryland, including the following areas, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore, and northern Virginia, including the following areas, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Northwest Prince William and Southern Fauquier.
* WHEN…Through Friday evening.
* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– The remnants of Debby will move northward through the area, leading to heavy rainfall this evening into Friday. A widespread 2 to 4 inches of additional rainfall is expected within the Watch area, with localized storm totals up to 6 inches.
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness informationPRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
The risk for flash flooding will continue to increase this evening and into the overnight hours. Rain amounts of 4-8" are possible along & west of the Blue Ridge with 2-4" further east. Remember if you see high water turn around don't drown. More at https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr. pic.twitter.com/ScNz4nnsrh
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 8, 2024
