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Severe Storms Threaten D.C. Region With Flash Flooding, Dangerous Commute Expected

July 31, 2025

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire Washington D.C. metropolitan area and surrounding regions in Maryland and Virginia from Thursday afternoon until early Friday morning. Forecasters warn that a dangerous system of storms will bring torrential downpours capable of producing 1-2 inches of rain within 30 minutes, with some areas potentially receiving 4-6 inches total. The combination of extreme humidity, an incoming cold front, and an upper-level trough will create conditions for slow-moving thunderstorms that pose significant flash flooding risks, particularly during the evening commute.

Who is affected

  • Residents of the District of Columbia
  • People in central and northern Maryland counties (Montgomery, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore)
  • Northern Virginia communities (Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding areas)
  • Evening commuters throughout the D.C. metropolitan area
  • People in urban corridors with limited runoff capacity
  • Residents in low-lying and poorly drained areas

What action is being taken

  • The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch effective from 2 p.m. Thursday until 2 a.m. Friday
  • Meteorologists are actively monitoring the storm system and providing forecast updates
  • Officials are urging residents to stay informed and monitor weather updates
  • Authorities are advising people to avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm hours
  • Weather services are issuing the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" safety message

Why it matters

  • The storms could dump 1-2 inches of rain in under 30 minutes, with isolated areas potentially receiving 4-6 inches
  • Flash flooding poses serious safety risks, especially for drivers on flooded roadways
  • The timing coincides with the evening commute, potentially causing significant travel disruptions
  • Heat index values between 95-105 degrees will create a volatile atmosphere for storm development
  • The extreme weather poses risks to urban areas where runoff is limited and in low-lying regions

What's next

  • Conditions are expected to improve overnight as the front moves southward
  • Intermittent showers may linger into Friday
  • Temperatures will drop significantly, with Friday highs only in the mid-70s
  • A high-pressure system will settle over the region for the weekend
  • Cooler, drier air is expected through Sunday with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and reduced humidity

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer