Flood Watch Issued for Fairax

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flood Watch today (Jan. 23) for late tonight through Thursday afternoon for Fairfax and much of the D.C. region.

NWS anticipates the heaviest rain to fall overnight and Thursday morning.

NWS expects around 1 inch of rain, with 1.5 to 2 inches possible.

NWS encourages locals to monitor later forecasts and to stay alert for possible Flood Warnings. Residents should prepare to take action if they live in areas prone to flooding.

More from the National Weather Service:

FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
THURSDAY AFTERNOON…

The Flood Watch continues for

* Portions of Maryland, The District of Columbia, and Virginia,
including the following areas, in Maryland, Anne Arundel,
Carroll, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast
Montgomery, Charles, Frederick MD, Northern Baltimore,
Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery,
Prince Georges, Southeast Harford, and Southern Baltimore. The
District of Columbia. In Virginia, Arlington/Falls
Church/Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, Northern
Fauquier, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Southern
Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Western Loudoun.

* From late tonight through Thursday afternoon

* Rain will overspread the area this evening and overnight. The
heaviest rain is expected overnight and Thursday morning. Total
rainfall amounts around 1 inch are expected, with isolated
higher amounts of 1.5 to 2 inches possible.

* Excess runoff from a nearly frozen ground and saturated soils
will cause the potential for streams and creeks to rise out of
their banks as well as potential flooding in low lying urban
areas.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on
current forecasts.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible
Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be
prepared to take action should flooding develop.

The @NWS has issued a Flood Watch for @fairfaxcounty from this evening through Thursday afternoon. Heaviest rain expected overnight into early Thursday, with 1-1.5" possible. Be aware and be prepared! Info: https://t.co/6E2sMi5MHv #VAwx #Weather #FCFRD !� pic.twitter.com/eKjYR0a3Pq

— Fairfax Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) January 23, 2019

Photo via Bahmad Farzad/Flickr