Winchester, VA – A surge of slow-moving thunderstorms could drench parts of Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia today, triggering flash flooding across rural roads and urban lowlands.
According to the National Weather Service, a Flood Watch is in effect from 11 a.m. through 10 p.m. Tuesday for a wide area including Washington County, MD; Frederick and Rockingham counties in Virginia; and Jefferson and Berkeley counties in West Virginia. Rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour are possible, with localized totals approaching 5 inches where storms repeatedly track over the same areas.
Low-lying roads, especially in the Shenandoah Valley and along the Blue Ridge, could flood rapidly. Urban drainage issues are expected in parts of Fairfax, Manassas, and eastern Loudoun. Rural creeks near Moorefield, WV, and culverts in Culpeper, VA, could rise dangerously by late afternoon.
Travelers should avoid low-water crossings and never drive through flooded roadways. Residents in flood-prone zones should secure outdoor items and prepare for rapid changes in water levels.
Storms are expected to taper off later tonight, but NWS officials warn that additional alerts may be issued if rainfall rates exceed current projections.
