Crime & Safety

NWS Issues Flash Flood Watch for Friday

National Weather Service says Tropical Storm Andrea will bring to 6 inches of rain Friday, which could lead to flash flooding.

As Tropical Storm Andrea nears the Florida Coast, the National Weather Service warned Loudoun County residents Thursday to start preparing for the heavy rain and hazardous conditions expected between now and late Friday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Loudoun and the greater Washington, DC, area from Friday morning through Friday evening.

While some isolated areas could see rainfall totals of up to 6 inches, most areas will see 2-4 inches, the NWS says, with the heaviest rainfall expected between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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Rain in some areas will begin Thursday night.

Runoff from the rain may lead to flash floods around small streams or low-lying and coastal areas.

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The Capital Weather Gang's predictions Thursday afternoon place anywhere from 1 to 4 inches across the area through Saturday morning.

The Loudoun Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management reminds residents not to drive into flood waters. Fairfax County offered the following safety tips on its website for navigating the roads in a storm:

• Never drive through a flooded roadway; the depth, current, and condition of the road are all unknowns and can be deadly.
• If you come to a flooded area while driving, stop and take an alternate route.
• If your vehicle stalls on a flooded road and water is rising, get out of car, call 911, and move to higher ground.
• Always stay away from floodwaters; even six inches of swiftly moving water can knock someone off their feet.
• Approximately two feet of swift water can move or float most vehicles, including SUV’s and pickup trucks.
• Never let children near flooded areas.
• When flooding is predicted, keep your vehicle parked in your garage or on the driveway away from low-lying areas and large drains.
• Be especially cautious during periods of limited visibility or nighttime when it is extremely difficult to see and judge conditions.

Get alerts from Loudoun County and find out more information about preparing for a emergencies online.

Andrea, the first named storm of the 2013 hurricane season, will bring severe weather to the area throughout the weekend.

The Capital Weather Gang says at the peak of the storm – Friday afternoon through Friday evening — some areas might see gusts between 20 and 30 miles per hour.


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