Scattered storms crossed the D.C. region Saturday afternoon, bringing an additional several inches of rainfall to already water-logged areas.
While most of the heavy rainfall had moved on by 4 p.m., D.C. remains under a flood warning until 6 p.m. and Alexandria, Fort Belvoir and Springfield, Virginia, are under a flood warning for small streams until 7:15 p.m.
Following the wet weather the D.C. region experienced on Friday, Storm Team4 meteorologist Matthew Ritter said that “We don’t have any room for heavy rain.”
With the ground already wet and streams running high, Ritter said flood watches could be on the horizon — depending on where they land.
“Unfortunately, any storms, scattered though they will be, could be slow movers and could produce some locally heavy downpours,” Ritter said.
The National Weather Service reported that, as of 3:20 p.m., around 1 and 2 inches of rain had fallen in southeastern Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria.
By 4:30 p.m., the heavy rain had moved out of the area, and the weather service said any flood waters should recede through the rest of the day. They advised drivers to remain cautious and heed any road closures they encounter.
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Tropical Storm Henri, which is expected to reach Hurricane classification Saturday afternoon, will finish passing through the Eastern Seaboard on Sunday morning.
Rain chances will increase today across the MD/DE beaches with temps in the upper 70s. Rain and storms continue overnight with strong winds, rain expected Sunday. Conditions will improve through the day on Monday and it will be fairly nice the rest of the week. pic.twitter.com/LNtO2PCqKD
— Lauryn Ricketts (@laurynricketts) August 21, 2021
Storm Team4 Meteorologist Lauryn Ricketts said the potential for thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon would extend into the workweek as weather conditions remain hot and humid.
A slow moving upper disturbance will keep conditions unsettled this weekend. Storms that pop up may be slow moving resulting in isolated flooding. The most likely location would be in northeastern MD later tonight into Sun morning. Humid conditions continue into next week. pic.twitter.com/7HBe9T85Nq
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 21, 2021
Forecast
Saturday evening: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Rain may be heavy at times.
Saturday night: Showers and a few thunderstorms. Rain may be heavy at times. Lows in the 70s.
Sunday: Partly sunny and muggy. A chance of showers and afternoon thunderstorms. Highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Monday: Partly sunny and muggy with isolated showers and storms. Highs in the mid to upper 80s
Tuesday/Wednesday: Sunny and hot with highs near 90
WTOP’s Vivian Medithi contributed to this report.
