Thunderstorms and possible flooding are expected to make a mess out of the Thursday morning commute in the Washington area and continue through Friday before clearing out in time for the weekend.
A flash flood watch for metropolitan Washington is in effect until Thursday evening, with meteorologists calling for two to four inches of rain and up to six inches in higher terrain areas such as Frederick and Prince William counties.
The rains could bring normal high tide levels along the Potomac five inches above normal, with the potential for moderate coastal flooding. A coastal flood watch is in effect until Thursday evening. The Department of Transportation in Alexandria is on standby to provide sandbags.
With up to 15 mph winds, there is potential for trees and power lines to block roadways around area.
Pepco spokesman Andre Francis said crews will be ready to restore power and manage trees falling on power lines as storm conditions increase. His company was under a lot of scrutiny after a trio of summer storms wreaked havoc around the D.C. area — including a July 25 storm that knocked out power to 240,000 of Pepco’s 302,000 Montgomery customers.
“You can’t prevent any damage from a storm,” he said. “All you can do is prepare to restore power as quickly as possible.”
Said AAA spokesman John Townsend: “Drivers have to follow this simple rule: If you cannot see the road or its line markings, do not drive through the water,” he said.
For information on road closures and lane blockages, call 311. Check www.weather.gov for updates.
