Flash flooding possible for DC area as storms move in

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Flash flooding possible for DC area as storms move in

Ciara Wells | [e-mail]
July 31, 2025, 5:24 AM

After a four-day long heat wave, Thursday will bring some reprieve to the D.C. area. But along with it comes chances for flash flooding. … A strong cold front moved in overnight, setting the stage for more active weather Thursday.

Rainfall rates may become moderate to heavy, especially along and east of the Interstate 95 corridor. 7News has placed this area under a “moderate risk” for excessive rainfall.

“Could get some storms, 2-9 p.m. that may have some high winds and heavy rain,” 7News First Alert Chief Meteorologist Veronica Johnson said. “Storms could have some flash flooding and some gusty winds.”

A majority of the region is under a flood watch from Thursday afternoon through the night, where excessive runoff is possible around flood-prone locations. At least 2 inches of rainfall is expected.

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[nitpicked]

1. The latest for DC/Baltimore from NWS

https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=lwx&wwa=all

(snip)
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...The District of Columbia, portions of Maryland, including
the following areas, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil,
Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery,
Charles, Frederick MD, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford,
Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast
Harford, Southern Baltimore and St. Marys, and northern Virginia,
including the following areas, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria,
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park,
Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Northern Fauquier, Northwest Prince
William, Southern Fauquier and Western Loudoun.

* WHEN...From Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Extensive
street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- Significant flash flooding is possible. Numerous showers and
thunderstorms will develop and move across the area Thursday
afternoon into Thursday evening. Thunderstorms will be
capable of producing very heavy rain, with rainfall rates of
1 to 2 inches in 30 minutes. Widespread rainfall amounts of 1
to 2 inches are expected. Some areas could experience
multiple rounds of thunderstorms, with higher rainfall
amounts of 4 to 6 inches possible. This could result in
numerous instances of flash flooding. Showers and
thunderstorms will begin early Thursday afternoon, and the
heaviest rainfall is most likely from 3 PM to 8 PM.
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