Rain, storms lead to flash flood watch, warnings for most of DC area

Thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain will be possible on Sunday. A flash flood watch has been issued for most of the D.C. area. (Courtesy National Weather Service)

The earlier you can get to the pool, the better! First rumble of thunder - HEAD INDOORS & have a backup plan ready to go! Lightning can strike 10-15 miles away! Download the @nbcwashington for a great radar to stay in the know as storm develop this PM! pic.twitter.com/k0rq5RvOy7
— Lauryn Ricketts (@laurynricketts) May 27, 2018

Lightning will be a major concern for the storms expected to roll through the area on Sunday. As soon as you hear thunder, head indoors. (Courtesy National Weather Service)

We are going to have some strong storms-likely after 1:30p/2p-Watch for heavy downpours & lots of lightning. A flash flood watch is in effect for Greater Washington area all afternoon/evening. The threat will continue after 8pm but storms not as intense pic.twitter.com/oQOcJX4Zp4
— Lauryn Ricketts (@laurynricketts) May 27, 2018

Storms are likely to roll into the D.C. sometime after 1:30 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. (Courtesy National Weather Service)

If you are headed outside-keep an eye to the sky after 2p! We have severe weather possible w/ heavy downpours/lots of lightning. If you are headed to the pool, the earlier the better. You might want to have a backup plan as well for any outdoor parties! pic.twitter.com/UzeLy1tZ8Q
— Lauryn Ricketts (@laurynricketts) May 27, 2018

Severe weather including heavy downpours and lots of lightning is possible after 2 p.m. on Sunday. (Courtesy National Weather Service)

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WASHINGTON — The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for most of the D.C. area on Sunday, as well as flash flood warnings and emergencies for some counties in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency following massive flooding in Ellicott City on Sunday.

A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring, and those in the area should move to higher ground.

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to a flash flood. The watch took effect beginning at noon and is expected to expire at 2 a.m. Monday.

Showers and thunderstorms capable of heavy rain hit the D.C. area on Sunday afternoon.

Thunderstorms capable of producing locally heavy rain will be possible again today. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for parts of the area. Be prepared to seek shelter if spending time outdoors. pic.twitter.com/IogNdot2zW

— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) May 27, 2018

Some areas might see as much as 1 to 3 inches of rain.

“Besides heavy rain, I’m really worried about lightning as well,” Storm Team4 Lauryn Ricketts said. “I think there is going to be a lot of lightning associated with these storms and with the number of people outside for today and all the festivities going on, that really concerns me.”

If you hear thunder, head indoors.

“Do not try to seek shelter outdoors, especially with any open tent or under any trees,” she said. “Try to get inside. Even if your car is an available option, that’s where you want to be with the windows up.”

Monday should be a bit drier however there is still a 30 percent chance for some showers and isolated storms. Overall, the weather on Monday should be partly sunny and noticeably cooler with highs in the upper 70s and lower 80s.

Current Weather

Showers and thunderstorms capable of heavy rain hit the D.C. area on Sunday afternoon beginning at around 2 p.m.

If you are headed outside-keep an eye to the sky after 2p! We have severe weather possible w/ heavy downpours/lots of lightning. If you are headed to the pool, the earlier the better. You might want to have a backup plan as well for any outdoor parties! pic.twitter.com/UzeLy1tZ8Q

— Lauryn Ricketts (@laurynricketts) May 27, 2018

Some areas might see as much as 1 to 3 inches of rain but Ricketts said lightning is as much of a threat to the area as the heavy rain.

A flash flood warning is in effect for parts of Anne Arundel County and Howard County in Maryland. until 12:45 p.m. Monday.

A flash flood emergency was issued for Ellicott City in Howard County and in Catonsville in Baltimore County until 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

Beach Forecast

Rain is in the forecast for most of the beaches close to the D.C. area as well.

You can check the current beach weather and traffic conditions on WTOP’s weather page.

Western Shore
On Monday, morning storms are possible, with highs near 80 degrees.

Ocean City
Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Monday, with expected highs near 80 degrees.

Virginia Beach
Monday will be cloudy and rainy with a high of 83 degrees.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Thunderstorms are expected to continue on Monday with highs near 80 degrees.

Bethany Beach, Delaware
Thunderstorms are expected on Monday. The expected high on will be 75 degrees on Monday.

Duck, North Carolina
Monday will see temperatures dip a bit below 80 with periods of rain.

Traffic

Regardless of weather, there will be several parades and road closures that will impact travel on the holiday weekend.

AAA Mid-Atlantic said a record number of travelers are expected to hit the road this weekend.

For the most updated traffic report, visit WTOP’s traffic center. You can see a map of the latest traffic conditions below.

Radar

For the most updated traffic report, visit WTOP’s traffic center. You can see a map of the latest traffic conditions below.