Washington, D.C. – Residents in the Washington, D.C. area are bracing for severe weather as numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue moving through the region on Wednesday afternoon. The storms have the potential to produce heavy downpours, raising concerns about the possibility of flooding in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for most areas in the region through Wednesday afternoon.
Forecasters are warning that between noon and 5 p.m., there is a chance that some of these storms could become severe, with the risk of damaging thunderstorm winds and even tornadoes forming rapidly. The highest likelihood of severe storms is predicted to be south and southeast of the Beltway, particularly in Southern Maryland due to a surge of warm air from the south.
Areas along and east of Interstate 95, including the District, Annapolis, and Fredericksburg, have been placed under a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms by the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. The saturated ground from the rain over the past few days, combined with the potential for heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour from Wednesday’s storms, has raised concerns about flooding across the region.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation, noting that the threat for flooding is expected to increase as more heavy rains occur throughout the morning and afternoon. Some areas around the Beltway have already received about an inch of rain since Monday, with higher amounts in certain areas north of Interstate 70. The Weather Service emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and prepared for potential severe weather impacts.
Severe weather expert Jeff Halverson has highlighted the complex weather dynamics at play, as a wedge of chilly, rainy air interacts with a push of warmer, more unstable air from the south. The uncertainty lies in how far north and west the warmer air will advance, potentially impacting the severity and location of the storms. Flash flooding, damaging winds, and even weak tornadoes are possible with any severe storms that develop, emphasizing the importance of staying weather-aware.
As the day progresses, the region faces an evolving weather situation that could result in an increased risk of severe storms from northwest to southeast. Residents are urged to stay informed and heed any weather warnings or advisories as they are issued throughout the day.