DC area faces flash flooding, damaging winds as severe storms strike

The D.C. area is facing heavy rain and damaging winds Tuesday night into Wednesday as severe thunderstorms roll through the region. Here’s what you need to know.

Quarter-sized hail and 60 mph winds are possible.

Between 1.5 and 3.5 inches of rain have already fallen in the affected area, and additional amounts of 0.5 to 2 inches are possible, according to the weather service. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

The weather service reminded residents that most flood deaths occur in vehicles: “Turn around, don’t drown” if you encounter flooding on roadways.

“At this time, the heaviest and worst of storms is expected between 8 p.m. [Tuesday] and 3 a.m. Wednesday,” said 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson.

Johnson said there is a “moderate threat” of damaging winds and flash flooding, with rain rates over one inch per hour in certain areas. This increases the risk of ponding — when flooding occurs in relatively flat areas like roadways where motorists risk hydroplaning.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for the Reagan International Airport shortly before 8 p.m., preventing inbound flights from landing there until 11:15 p.m.

Showers should ease by 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to Johnson.