The D.C. region prepares for heavy rains and storms on Wednesday as Tropical Storm Debby pushes its way north after smacking the Gulf Coast. Here’s what you need to know.
Currently, Tropical Storm Debby is meandering off the coast of the Carolinas as it moves up north. 7News First Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff told WTOP that a cold front moving through the region first will bring in cooler temperatures and heavy storms on Wednesday before the remnants of Debby move in by the end of the week.
“We are watching for the potential for some very intense rainfall,” he said.
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Van de Graaff said their guidance projects 2 to 4 inches of rain for the D.C. region. The National Weather Service has also issued a flood watch for southeastern Virginia through Friday evening.
Looking ahead, “The good news is, coming over a 48-hour period would mean lesser chances for flooding, but … flooding can’t be ruled out. The National Weather Service may have to put some advisories out for that heading into your Friday,” van de Graaff said.
It’s going to depend on the storm’s path. That might mean gusty winds and, perhaps, even some isolated tornadoes, according to van de Graaff. Something they’ll be watching very carefully.
“It’s all dependent on the path of that storm and which way it goes. I do think it all moves out of here just in time for the weekend,” van de Graaff said.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness ahead of the “significant risk” Tropical Storm Debby poses to the D.C. area, and said “should there be a public emergency due to severe weather, preparations will be made and local agencies will be given additional resources and support to protect the public.”
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth as the impending weather “could cause transportation difficulties and power outages.”
“As we prepare for Tropical Storm Debby, I urge all Virginians and visitors to stay informed, follow local emergency guidelines, and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their families and communities,” Youngkin said. “There is the potential for strong winds, heavy rains, and possible flooding across regions of the Commonwealth.”
Alexandria, Virginia, is offering sandbags to those who might be affected. It will distribute sandbags at the following locations Aug. 7 “to assist with resident preparedness. Proof of residency or business in Alexandria is required. Additional locations may be added as needed.”
Sandbags will be distributed at the following locations:
- Intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and E. Glebe Road from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Intersection of Union Street and Prince Street from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- South Quaker Lane from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Forecast
WEDNESDAY
Mostly cloudy, scattered PM storms
Highs: 80-85
Winds: East 5-10 mph
Influence from a weakening tropical system brings added clouds and will hold temperatures back. A few showers and storms are possible through the latter half of the day. The First Alert Weather Team will closely monitor the tropics in the coming days.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
Scattered T-showers likely; warm and muggy
Lows: 70s
Winds: NE 4-8 mph
Scattered thundershowers are likely as the outer bands of Debby draw near.
THURSDAY:
Scattered showers and storms likely
Highs: 75-80
Winds: East 5-10 mph
Widespread rain is likely due to the remnants of Debby moving through the region.
FRIDAY:
Rain likely, potentially heavy with a few strong to severe storms
Highs: 75-80
Winds: East 5-10 mph
Widespread rain is likely due to the remnants of Debby moving through the region. Rain could become quite heavy with strong winds and isolated tornadoes.
Tropical Update: Tropical Storm Debby
Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near the Big Bend region of Florida on Monday and is now a tropical storm again. Latest forecast has it stalling out over the Carolinas through about Wednesday. After that, a weakened Debby will start to trek northward toward the mid-Atlantic. However, a slight shift east could mean drier conditions, while a shift to the west could mean wetter conditions. Regardless, relief from the heat and drought is likely as we are trending cloudier, cooler and wetter through Friday.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
WTOP’s Ciara Wells also contributed to this report.
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