The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Arlington and the rest of the D.C. region, starting Friday morning. More watches and warnings are expected to be issued as Hurricane Joaquin nears, on the back of the nor’easter.
From the NWS:
McAuliffe declared the state of emergency to allow Virginia businesses, residents and officials to prepare for the impending storms.
“I cannot stress enough the imperative for Virginians to focus on the rainstorms that are headed our way tomorrow and Friday, well before Hurricane Joaquin could potentially impact Virginia,” McAuliffe said in a statement. “The forecast of up to 10 inches of rain in areas across Virginia could result in floods, power outages and a serious threat to life and property. As we continue to track the path of Hurricane Joaquin, I have instructed the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to make every preparation for a major event Thursday and Friday.”
Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning through 2:45 p.m.
From the National Weather Service:
Parts of Arlington were inundated by heavy rain and frequent lightning and thunder this afternoon. There were scattered reports of power outages along Columbia Pike and people trapped in stuck elevators in Virginia Square and other parts of the county.
A wind gust of 58 miles per hour was reported in the Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington during the storm, according to the National Weather Service. Flooding was reported in the westbound lanes of Washington Blvd, prompting police to close a ramp from Route 50.
High temperatures and high humidity will make for a sweltering, potentially dangerous afternoon.
Those who must spend time outdoors today are advised to drink plenty of fluids, seek breaks in the shade and avoid strenuous activity if possible.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Arlington and the surrounding D.C. region.
Forecasters say thunderstorms with the potential for damaging wind and hail will spread across the area this afternoon and evening.
Forecasters say that a prolonged period of heavy rain is likely to cause flash flooding in some low-lying areas and along small streams.
The warning is in effect until 5:30 p.m., while a Flash Flood Watch will remain in effect through early Sunday morning.
Dominion Virginia Power is reporting 4,245 customers without power in Arlington — almost 5 percent of all customers in the county. Power outages have been reported in Pentagon City, in Courthouse near I-66 and in the Virginia Square area.
The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall was evacuated during the storm due to a power outage there. Scanner reports suggest firefighters rescued some customers from stuck elevators. The Pentagon Centre mall was also reported to be without power.
Forecasters say temperatures will rise to near 100, which combined with sweltering humidity will make for dangerous conditions.
From the National Weather Service:
Update at 5:00 p.m. — In addition to the Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Arlington is also now under a Flash Flood Warning.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A
Arlington County is currently under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
From the National Weather Service:
The heat index is expected to climb to around 100 degrees today. The combination of heat and humidity is potentially dangerous for anyone spending an extended period time outside — or inside without air conditioning.
From the National Weather Service:
