Tropical Storm Helene brings more wet weather to DC area as it moves north

Tropical Storm Helene will continue its way north toward the D.C. region, bringing tropical rain and potential flooding Friday. Here’s what you need to know.

7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said as the storms grows in strength and moves north, there will be larger risk of inland flooding and heavy winds that could knock down trees or electricity poles in the D.C. area.

Johnsons said this is “the strongest hurricane since Ian back in 2022” as Helene was upgraded to a category four hurricane on Thursday night. Winds were reaching 140 miles per hours, with gusts at 160 mph, when the hurricane first made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region late Thursday night

Helene was downgraded to a tropical storm Friday morning as it rapidly moved north, through southern Georgia, before blowing inland around 5 a.m. The National Hurricane Center said winds could top 110 miles per hour as the storm moves over Appalachian areas.

In the D.C. area, scattered showers Friday morning will increase through the afternoon and turn into some isolated thunderstorms as Helene passes by. 7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña says rainfall totals could reach 1.5 inches or higher.

“We’ve got areas of rain with even rumbles of thunder in the forecast throughout much of the afternoon and evening,” Peña said. “And this is thanks to the outer edges of Helene that will start to move through central and northern Virginia, starting to clip areas of the DMV later this afternoon.”

Areas of western and central Virginia are under a flood watch through Friday evening by the National Weather Service, as excessive runoff from bodies of water could flood lowers areas with poor drainage. The weather service has also issued coastal flood warnings in effect on Friday for D.C., Arlington, central Virginia and Charles County, Maryland.

A very active weather day ahead with moderate/heavy rainfall possible across the area. This also carries a risk of an isolated tornado well south of I-66. There is a risk of flash flooding near and west of the Blue Ridge. The higher elevations may see wind gusts up to 50-55 mph. pic.twitter.com/7L1L2LfZrS

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) Sept. 27, 2024

To help with the response to the tropical storm, search and rescue teams from Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland have been sent down to help.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Wednesday evening “in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Helene later this week,” his office wrote in a release.

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Youngkin said Virginians should still “remain vigilant” and keep an eye out for larger weather impacts, as storm forecasts can change rapidly.

“As high winds and heavy rains are predicted for parts of Virginia, we urge everyone to stay informed through trusted resources and follow the direction of your local officials,” Youngkin said.

The state of emergency allows Virginia “to mobilize resources and equipment needed for response and recovery efforts,” according to the governor’s office.

Forecast

FRIDAY:
Areas of rain, rumble of thunder
Breezy at times
Highs: near 75
Winds: East 5-15, Gusts 25 mph
Rain from the outer edge of Helene will arrive to round out the week, especially across southwestern Virginia. While to storm won’t have “hurricane” status, it will move over the Tennessee River Valley pinwheeling moisture from south to north in our direction. Pockets of moderate to heavy rain will be possible along with the risk for isolated flooding. Outside of any rain, it will be overcast with tropical humidity and a breezy easterly wind.

FRIDAY NIGHT:
Scattered showers, thunder
Breezy at times
Lows: 65-71
Winds: East 5-15, gusts 25 mph

Saturday:
Early morning showers
Turning partly cloudy
Highs: lower 80s
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph
Early morning clouds and a lingering rain chance Saturday will give way to some sunshine. It will be warm and humid with highs in the lower 80s.

Sunday:
Mostly cloudy, more showers
Highs: around 75
Winds: East 5-10 mph
Clouds are set to increase with added shower chances Sunday. Wet weather will likely linger into early next week.