Northern Virginia Under Flash Flood Watch Wednesday

VIRGINIA — Before slow-moving thunderstorms arrive in Northern Virginia on Wednesday, the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the region.

The flash flood watch is in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday, meaning conditions may develop that lead to a rapid rise in water level, which can be life-threatening.

Forecasters say thunderstorms will form over the region from the afternoon to evening. Because the storms will be slow-moving, they could prompt heavy rain in localized areas. The most likely time for flash flooding is between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to the NWS.

Flood-prone areas should prepare for possible flooding. Possible impacts may include rapid rises of water, flooded roads and flooding of structures in low-lying areas near streams. Landslides and sinkholes aren't ruled out either.

Areas like Manassas and Manassas Park already experienced severe impacts of rain overnight. According to the Washington Post, a sinkhole formed in Manassas Park as a result of flash flooding early Wednesday. There were no reported injuries, but the sinkhole blocked some condo and townhouse residents from using the road to exit.

The flash flood watch is effective from noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, for these areas in Virginia: the counties of Albemarle, Arlington, Augusta, Clarke, Culpeper, Loudoun, Fairfax, Frederick, Greene, King George, Madison, Nelson, Fauquier, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Warren; and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.