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Less than a day after torrential downpours and flash flooding swept through the D.C. area, the region has already seen drenching storms, gusty winds and brief warnings about flash flooding. Here’s what you need to know.
While the impact of early Tuesday afternoon rainfall was felt across the region, flood warnings were minimal through the evening. Even so, local jurisdictions wanted their residents to remain alert, especially after Monday’s deadly rain brought serious flash floods to local streets.
The D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management service warned citizens driving in and around the city to be cautious on their afternoon drive.
“Heavy rain today will enhance (the) threat for flash flooding. Thunderstorms may be slow initially before becoming more progressive,” the department said.
Officials also said residents should take time to secure objects that could become hazards in high winds and remain weather aware.
“Do not walk, bike, or drive through flood waters. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest point and call 911,” DC Fire and EMS warns. “Vehicles can get swept away by as little as twelve inches of moving water.”
Most of the I-95 corridor has been upgraded to a Slight Risk for Severe Weather from the Storm Prediction Center for thunderstorms that are expected to move through this afternoon into this evening. Have multiple methods of receiving warnings. Latest: https://t.co/5RyZgpfrqr pic.twitter.com/mGMeTBHFAY
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 15, 2023
Thankfully, Wednesday looks likely to start a multi-day stretch of dry weather, save some of the District’s oft-derided humidity. Thursday night, however, 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin expects even that to wane.
“Friday will be refreshing with even lower humidity and breezy northwest winds,” Rudin said, adding that humidity through Sunday is likely to remain low for August.
Area recovers from Monday flooding
Along Rhode Island Avenue, stormwater rose to nearly six feet high, pushing down the doors of pet day care District Dogs and leaving 10 animals dead.
WTOP’s Luke Lukert reported Tuesday morning that some windows were boarded up at the pet daycare and walls were splattered with grime in the aftermath of the flooding.
Rhode Island Avenue reopened Tuesday after an overnight closure, as cleanup continues across the area.
WTOP’s Abigail Constantino, Jessica Kronzer and Ciara Wells contributed to this report.
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Forecast
WEDNESDAY: Partly to mostly sunny and less humid. Highs in the mid to upper 80s.
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Becoming less humid. Highs in the upper 80s.
SATURDAY: Sunny and pleasant with low humidity. Highs in the low to mid 80s.