Weather
Northern Virginia Under Flash Flood Watch Wednesday
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch as slow-moving thunderstorms approach.
![The flash flood watch is effective until 11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/22924509/20200812/120754/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-1366436723___12120746619.jpg)
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.
Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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.
Dangerous flash flooding is possible this afternoon & evening due to heavy rain & slow moving storms. Stay weather aware & have more than 1 way to receive our alerts. Remember, do not cross flooded roads! Visit https://t.co/t54l4ELo2o for the latest info. #vawx #mdwx #dcwx #wvwx pic.twitter.com/3ykYKnA5Mm
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 12, 2020
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.
Find out what's happening in Viennawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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.
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