Flood Watch, Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued

Arlington is under a Flood Watch and Severe Thunderstorm Watch today, with storms in the forecast Sunday afternoon.

The watches — in effect until later tonight — also include D.C., Alexandria, Fairfax County, Falls Church and other nearby jurisdictions.

The National Weather Service says storms will be widespread but those that do form could include damaging winds and produce “intense rainfall rates” that may cause flash flooding. There is also a slight tornado threat today.

More from NWS:

…FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING…

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall.

* WHERE…Portions of DC, including the following , District of Columbia, Maryland, including the following areas, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore, and northern Virginia, including the following areas, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun and Fairfax.

* WHEN…From 2 PM this afternoon to 8 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…
– Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon into this evening with multiple rounds possible. Thunderstorms may be capable of producing intense rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour with locally higher amounts up to three inches. This may result in flash flooding of small streams and creeks as well as urban and poor drainage areas.
– Please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood for flood safety and preparedness information

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

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.