Heavy rains prompt flood warning for Northern Virginia as flood watch hits DC

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Sunday for Northern Virginia and a flood watch for D.C. and surrounding areas as a cold front brought several rounds of stormy weather to the region.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Northern Virginia until 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Some of the areas expected to see flooding include:

Centreville
Reston
Annandale
Herndon
Fairfax
Vienna
Mantua
Pimmit Hills
Oakton
Chantilly
Tysons Corner
Wolf Trap
Merrifield
Dunn Loring

Additionally, a flash flood watch is in effect for D.C. until 2 p.m.

Officials said storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris, leading to flooding.

“A disturbance riding along a stalled front will produce localized heavy showers and perhaps a thunderstorm,” the National Weather Service said.

WTOP Meteorologist Mike Stinneford said rain is falling at rates of 2 to 3 inches an hour on Interstate 66 near Oakton, Fairfax and Vienna.

“There is a lot of standing water out there right now,” Stinneford said shortly before noon. “Very heavy rainfall right now.”

7News First Alert Meteorologist Mark Peña said the storms would not last all day but could bring periods of heavy rain. “A few storms could produce briefly heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds. Most activity fades toward sunset, followed by clearing skies overnight,” he said.

Weather conditions calm heading into the workweek.

“High pressure builds in Monday, bringing more sunshine, lower humidity and very low rain chances,” Peña said. “Temperatures remain seasonable, making for favorable outdoor conditions.”

Heat and humidity increase Tuesday as winds turn southerly, with highs returning to the lower 90s under mostly sunny skies.

Dangerous heat builds Wednesday and continues into the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Highs reach the upper 90s and could approach 100, with heat index values between 102 and 107.