Weather Alert: Flash Flood Watch In Effect Through Friday Evening

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch from 2 p.m. today through Friday evening.

Localized areas of flooding in small streams and urban areas are possible today and tonight.

Heavy rain is expected through continue from this afternoon. Forecasters expect an overall rainfall total of three to five inches.

Fairfax County government officials issued the following warning earlier today:

Flooding is one of the leading causes of weather related fatalities in the U.S. On average, flooding claims nearly 90 lives each year. More than half of these deaths occur in motor vehicles when people attempt to drive through flooded roadways. This happens because people underestimate the force and power of water, especially when it is moving.

• Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over and carry off an adult.
• 12 inches of water can float a small car. If that water is moving, it can carry that car away.
• 18 to 24 inches of flowing water can carry away most vehicles, including large SUVs.

It is impossible to tell the exact depth of water covering a roadway or the condition of the road below the water. This is especially true at night when your vision is more limited.  It is never safe to drive or walk through flood waters.

Any time you come to a flooded road, walkway, or path, follow this simple rule: Turn Around Don’t Drown.

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