Flood Warning Issued For NoVA Counties Plus Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, DC — A flood warning has been issued Saturday night for parts of northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. About 1 to 1.5 inches of rain have already fallen, and stream gauges show that water levels are rising across the region, the National Weather Service reported before 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24.

Stream gauges indicate several streams in the Washington metropolitan area are rising toward their flood stages. Additional flooding of small streams and other poor drainage areas is also possible, the Weather Service said. Even though rain is ending,it will take the water some time to run off.

The flooding warning is in effect until 12:15 a.m. on Sunday and includes Washington, D.C., the cities of Fairfax, Alexandria and Falls Church, plus Arlington, Reston, Leesburg, Annandale, Herndon, and Fairfax, along with Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland.

"Cold temps make these incidents even more dangerous. Never drive through standing water. Turn around, don't drown," the National Weather Service.

In the D.C. metro area, weather officials warned streams were rising to flood stages after 1.5 inches of rain had fallen by 6:30 p.m. Small streams and poorly drained areas may flood in addition to low-lying areas.

The forecast for Saturday night says rain is likely before 9 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 56. West wind 5 to 7 mph.

Sunday night there is a 30 percent chance of rain after 1 a.m. Increasing clouds, with a low around 42. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

Image via Shutterstock