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UPDATED: Flood and Severe Thunderstorm watches issued for Arlington

Lightning bolt from Friday night thunderstorm (photo courtesy James Mahony)

Update at 4:30 p.m. — Arlington is now also under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 11 p.m.

Earlier: As storms move in, Arlington is now under a Flood Watch until midnight tonight.

The watch was issued around 2:45 p.m. for the county and much of the D.C. area. Forecasters say several rounds of slow-moving storms may cause flooding in low-lying areas and near creeks and streams.

The Rosslyn Jazz Festival, meanwhile, has been paused while this round of storms moves through.

More from the National Weather Service:

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
243 PM EDT Sat Sep 9 2023…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

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

* WHEN…Until Midnight EDT tonight.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Several rounds of slow moving showers and thunderstorms are possible through this evening. Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches in an hour may lead to flash flooding, especially in poor drainage and urban areas.
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

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Another Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Arlington

A window washer works as storm clouds loom over Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Yesterday’s Severe Thunderstorm Watch resulted in nary a raindrop for Arlington — but Friday evening might be different.

Another Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for the county, for D.C., and for much of the region. It’s in effect until 11 p.m. tonight.

“[The] main hazards for these storms will be heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail,” the National Weather Service says. “Additionally, isolated instances of flooding rainfall are
possible, mainly in urban areas.”

The scattered storms are expected to arrive locally at or after dinnertime and, like yesterday, could miss Arlington entirely.

More from social media:

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NEW: Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for Arlington

Severe Thunderstorm Watch graphic (via National Weather Service)

Arlington — along with D.C., Alexandria, Fairfax County and other neighboring jurisdictions — is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

Amid temperatures in the mid-90s and several Severe Thunderstorm Warnings to the west, the National Weather Service issued the watch around 1:15 p.m. It is in effect until 9 p.m. and includes much of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New York State.

Forecasters say that scattered strong storms are likely later today in the immediate D.C. area.

“Scattered to numerous severe storms are possible this afternoon and evening,” the National Weather Service said. “Damaging wind gusts are the primary threat. Isolated instances of considerable wind damage from severe thunderstorms are possible. Isolated instances of large hail are possible as well.”

After the line of storms passes things should quiet down for the rest of the night, but another round of severe weather is expected Friday, forecasters say.

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UPDATED: Flood and Severe Thunderstorm watches issued for Arlington

A flooded Four Mile Run running high near Dominion Hills (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 2:15 p.m.) For the second day in a row Arlington is under a Flood Watch.

The National Weather Service says that “anomalous moisture coupled with the potential for multiple slow moving thunderstorms will result in the potential for flash flooding.” The storms are expected to arrive later this afternoon, with the Flood Watch set to expire at 8 p.m.

The flood potential follows storms yesterday (Monday) that prompted Tornado, Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood warnings all in the span of about 10 minutes. The heavy rain also flooded a busy intersection along Columbia Pike.

Later Tuesday afternoon a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued as well.

More on today’s Flood Watch, below, from NWS.

Flood Watch
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1229 PM EDT Tue Aug 15 2023

…Flash flooding will be possible this afternoon into the early evening, particularly for areas which were hit on Monday by very heavy rainfall…

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT 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, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria and Fairfax.

* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Given the antecedent conditions in place across portions of the D.C. metro area, additional heavy rainfall today will enhance the threat for further flash flooding issues. Hourly rainfall rates of 1.50 to 2.00 inches are possible in the heaviest downpours. Thunderstorms may be slow to move initially before becoming more progressive later in the afternoon.
– Please visit weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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

More on the Severe Thunderstorm Watch, below.

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NEW: Arlington under Flood Watch tonight

Storm clouds, as seen from Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

A Flood Watch has been issued for Arlington, as heavy rain and strong storms are possible starting late this afternoon.

The Flood Watch will take effect at 5 p.m. and run through early Tuesday morning. An “anomalous” amount of moisture in the atmosphere may lead to deluges that could cause flooding, forecasters say.

Meanwhile, severe storms and even an isolated tornado are possible tonight in Arlington and the D.C. area., the National Weather Service says.

More on the Flood Watch, below, from NWS.

155 PM EDT Mon Aug 14 2023

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT…

* WHAT…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, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun and Fairfax.

* WHEN…From 5 PM EDT this afternoon through late tonight.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Anomalous moisture will overspread the region ahead of a cold front that will pass through tonight. Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are possible this evening into the overnight. Rain rates over two inches per hour are possible. Urban areas and flood prone roadways will be of a particular concern.
– Please visit weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

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JUST IN: Tornado Watch issued for Arlington amid significant severe weather threat

An ominous storm cloud over Arlington in July 2023 (Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman)

(Updated at 3 p.m.) A widespread outbreak of severe weather is expected this evening, prompting a Tornado Watch for Arlington and much of the region.

Forecasters say the threats include “damaging and locally destructive hurricane-force winds, along with the potential for large hail and tornadoes, even strong tornadoes.”

Winds in excess of 70 miles per hour are possible.

Wind threat on Aug. 7, 2023 (via National Weather Service)

The Tornado Watch is in effect until 9 p.m.

Arlington Public Schools, meanwhile, is closing facilities early today due to the weather threat. From a School Talk email to families:

Due to forecasted severe weather, Arlington Public Schools will shift to virtual operations today, Aug. 7, at 4 p.m. All APS facilities and programs held after 4 p.m. are canceled unless otherwise stated.

Extracurricular [activities], games, team practices, field trips, adult education classes and programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled this evening. For your safety, we strongly urge the community to stay off the roads between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m.

Federal government and Arlington National Cemetery are also closing early today, at 3 p.m., while Arlington County government offices are closing at 4 p.m.

The expected outbreak follows the storms just over a week ago that toppled trees throughout Arlington and knocked out power to more than 34,000 Dominion customers.

More from the National Weather Service:

…SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK EXPECTED OVER THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION BETWEEN 2 PM AND 10 PM TODAY, INCLUDING THE GREATER BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREAS…

An outbreak of severe storms is expected this afternoon and evening across the greater Baltimore/Washington region, with numerous severe thunderstorms expected. There is a significant threat for damaging and locally destructive hurricane-force winds, along with the potential for large hail and tornadoes, even strong tornadoes.

The timing of this outbreak varies with your location. West of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can expect the storms to arrive between 12 Noon and 3 PM. East of the Blue Ridge Mountains, timing will be from 4 PM to 8 PM. The greater Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Areas can expect the storms to arrive between 5 PM and 7 PM.

Now is the time to review your severe weather safety procedures for the possibility of dangerous weather today. Do not be outdoors when the storms arrive. When you hear thunder, go indoors to a sturdy building or structure. While seeking shelter indoors, go to the lowest floor to an interior room. Stay away from windows. Those in mobile homes or weaker structures should plan ahead of time to shelter in a stronger shelter. Be prepared for extended power outages, and the potential for some roads to be blocked by fallen trees.

For the after-event cleanup, do not go outside until 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder, otherwise you will be still susceptible to lightning strikes. Be aware of downed power lines and unstable branches and trees.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, weather.gov, or other media for watches and warnings. If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued for your area, move to a place of safety, ideally in an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.

Much of the D.C. area, including Arlington, is under a 4 out of 5 risk of severe weather, a rare designation not seen in the region in more than a decade.

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NEW: Flood Watch issued for Sunday night, ‘serious’ weather threat on Monday

Thunderstorms and heavy rain in Westover in 2021 (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Get ready for some wild weather over the next day and a half.

First up are some storms tonight (Sunday) that are likely to be packing torrential rainfall. The heavy rain could cause flash flooding, prompting a Flood Watch to be issued this afternoon, taking effect at 8 p.m.

More from the National Weather Service:

239 PM EDT Sun Aug 6 2023

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 2 AM EDT MONDAY…

* 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, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Fairfax and Stafford.

* WHEN…From 8 PM this evening to 2 AM EDT Monday.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Heavy rainfall moving through with the potential for 1 to 2 inches of rainfall, locally higher, in a short period of time.
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

Monday has the potential for even more active weather.

Arlington, D.C. and other parts of the region are under an “enhanced” risk of severe weather, according to a National Weather Service outlook. Severe winds are likely, according to NWS forecasters, noting the “seriousness” of the threat.

Meanwhile, large hail and even a tornado are also possible in the D.C. area.

Severe wind outlook for Aug. 7, 2023 (via National Weather Service)

According to NWS, this is the first time that D.C. has ever had a 45% or greater risk of severe winds on its next-day outlook.

The last instance of such a high probability of severe winds was the same-day outlook on Halloween day 2019.

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UPDATED: Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Arlington

Storms approaching at 4:30 p.m.

(Update at 4:40 p.m.) All of Arlington is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

More such warnings are likely as a line of strong storms approach from the west. Forecasters say the storms are packing very high winds, likely to cause damage and power outages.

More from the National Weather Service:

BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
409 PM EDT Sat Jul 29 2023

The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning…

* Until 430 PM EDT.

* At 409 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Herndon, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

* Locations impacted include… Arlington, Bethesda, Reston, South Riding, Herndon, Vienna, Falls Church, Broadlands, Lowes Island, Brambleton, Pimmit Hills, Mclean, American Legion Bridge, Dulles International Airport, Potomac, Ashburn, Oakton, Sterling, Chantilly and Tysons Corner.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

Earlier: Arlington County is again under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch.

The National Weather Service issued the watch for Arlington, D.C. and surrounding areas. It’s in effect Saturday afternoon through 9 p.m.

Hail, damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning are all possible, while “an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out,” according to NWS.

The watch follows a series of storms Friday evening, though none caused significant damage in Arlington.

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Arlington under Severe Thunderstorm Watch tonight

Storm clouds over Ballston (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Thursday’s heat will help to fuel strong storms tonight, forecasters say.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was just issued for Arlington, the District, and other surrounding areas. It’s in effect until 11 p.m.

More from the National Weather Service:

A Heat Advisory is in effect for the entire outlook area from until 8 PM today.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect until 11 PM for the Washington and Baltimore Metropolitan areas. Elsewhere, scattered storms will be capable of producing damaging winds and large hail through this evening.

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Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Flood Watch issued for Arlington and D.C.

Storm clouds over Rosslyn (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 12:50 p.m.) Arlington, D.C. and other parts of the region are now under both a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Flood Watch

The D.C. area is on the southern end of the Severe Thunderstorm Watch area, which runs up the East Coast and includes Philadelphia, New York City, and much of Connecticut. That watch is in effect until 8 p.m.

Strong storms packing frequent lightning, damaging hail and wind gusts up to 70 mph are possible, according to the National Weather Service. Storms are expected later this afternoon and into the evening.

Following the storm watch, NWS issued a Flood Watch for the region as well.

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT 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, Calvert, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Charles, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park and Fairfax.

* WHEN…Until 8 PM EDT this evening.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are possible this afternoon into this evening. Where multiple thunderstorms occur, rainfall totals on the order of one to three inches are possible in a short period of time.
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

More from NWS, via Twitter:

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Nighttime storm potential prompts Flood Watch

Storms bring heavy rain, wind and flooding at night (file photo)

The possibility of a succession of storms tonight packing heavy rain has prompted a Flood Watch from the National Weather Service.

The watch is in effect until 4 a.m. for Arlington, the District and much of the Washington region. Forecasters say flash flooding may occur during prolonged downpours.

More from NWS:

…FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EDT SUNDAY…

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

* WHEN…Until 4 AM EDT Sunday.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– A seasonably moist airmass with ample moisture content ahead of an approaching frontal boundary will result in numerous showers and thunderstorms. These showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall with totals on the order of 1 to 3 inches with locally higher amounts where thunderstorms may train. These totals may result in flash flooding, particularly in urban areas and those that have observed recent heavy rainfall.

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