A slow-moving storm system is bringing multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms to the D.C. region, triggering ground stops at major airports and prompting widespread flash flood alerts. According to the National Weather Service, the unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist with daily rain chances continuing through the end of the week.
Airport Ground Stops and Flash Flood Warnings
Ground stops have impacted Reagan National, BWI Marshall, and Dulles International airports for several hours due to the severe weather. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch until midnight Sunday for large parts of the D.C. metro area, including Northern Virginia and portions of Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties.
Additional areas under the flash flood watch until 7:45 p.m. EDT include the northwestern District of Columbia, southeastern Montgomery County in central Maryland, Arlington County, eastern Fairfax County, eastern Prince William County, the City of Alexandria, the southeastern City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church.
Did You Know?
According to weather safety guidance provided in the forecast, it is very difficult to know how deep water is over a roadway, especially at night, prompting the essential safety reminder to turn around, don’t drown.
Storm Threats and Regional Travel Impacts
According to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña, a few stronger storms are possible for most of Sunday afternoon, especially west of Interstate 95, where periods of heavy rain could produce flooding concerns. The National Weather Service reports that widespread showers and thunderstorms have the potential to become severe, with damaging wind gusts serving as the main severe-weather threat.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution as some roadways across the region have become partially flooded. In Virginia, a portion of the westbound lanes of Interstate 66 were impacted, according to reports from the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Expert Insight
Extended Weather Forecast Through the Week
The unsettled weather pattern will continue Monday in a warm, humid air mass, bringing periods of rain and thunderstorms with highs around 85 degrees and south winds at 5 to 10 mph. Torrential rains will maintain the flash flooding threat alongside locally gusty winds and frequent lightning.
Tuesday is expected to be mostly cloudy and dry with highs ranging from 83 to 88 degrees, though isolated showers and storms are forecast to return overnight into Wednesday morning. Wednesday will turn partly cloudy with highs between 85 and 90 degrees as breaks in the clouds lead to more sunshine and slightly hotter temperatures, which will likely further destabilize the atmosphere for additional storm chances.
Thursday brings partly cloudy skies and isolated afternoon showers and highs between 86 and 91 degrees. The nearby stalled weather maker is projected to begin moving offshore by the end of the week, a shift that could increase the threat for severe storms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are covered by the flash flood watch?
The flash flood watch covers Northern Virginia, large parts of Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, northwestern D.C., southeastern Montgomery County, Arlington County, eastern Fairfax County, eastern Prince William County, the City of Alexandria, the southeastern City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church until midnight Sunday.
Which airports have experienced disruptions?
Ground stops have impacted Reagan National, BWI Marshall, and Dulles International airports for several hours.
How long will the daily rain chances last?
According to meteorological forecasts, daily chances for showers and thunderstorms are expected to persist through at least the middle of the week and potentially through the end of the week.
How are you adjusting your travel plans around the ongoing D.C. storm alerts and airport ground stops?