AM Rain turns into dry Thursday as DC region prepares for Hurricane Helene’s impact
The D.C. area will stay mostly dry on Thursday as southeastern states prepare for Hurricane Helene’s arrival. The tropical storm will also impact the D.C. region, bringing tropical rain and potential flooding on Friday. Here’s what you need to know.
7News First Alert Senior Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff says heavy rain is still pushing through parts of southeastern Maryland, northwestern D.C. and central Virginia Thursday morning. By midmorning showers will subside, with very few sprinkles for the rest of the day.
The National Weather Service issued and canceled a flash flood warning Thursday morning for multiple Maryland jurisdictions, including Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery counties are under a flood warning until 11:45 a.m.
Skies will still stay cloudy and the air will feel very humid, as tropical air moves into the area and highs stay near 80 degrees. Road conditions remain slick on Thursday after four days of rain, which has left several areas with standing water.
While Thursday will provide some relief, the D.C. region is preparing for any impacts brought by Hurricane Helene. The category one hurricane is expected to become a category three major storm by the time it makes landfall in Florida, according to van de Graaff. He says winds could reach up to 125 miles per hour winds and tides may surge up to 15 feet higher during the storm.
“The threat for severe weather, with that spin in the atmosphere, tornadoes, it is definitely going to be very impactful, not just for where it makes landfall, for a good chunk of Florida as well as its easternmost flank,” van de Graaff said.
The storm will make its way through Georgia but then get swept into the Midwest, so there won’t be a direct impact in D.C., Maryland or Virginia. However, the humid air is a warning of what’s to come as more moisture collects in the atmosphere.
“We won’t get the brunt of it, but we will get some more pockets of heavy rain through your Friday,” van de Graff explains.
Heavier rain is expected midday and into the evening on Friday, with temperatures staying in the mid-70s. There should be a bit of a break in the downpour on Saturday, with a little sunshine and light possible showers.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Wednesday evening “in anticipation of impacts from Hurricane Helene later this week,” his office wrote in a release. The National Weather Service has also issued flood warnings in effect on Friday for D.C., Arlington, central Virginia and Charles County, Maryland.
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Youngkin says that Virginians should still “remain vigilant” and keep an eye out for larger weather impacts, as hurricane forecasts can change erratically.
“As high winds and heavy rains are predicted for parts of Virginia, we urge everyone to stay informed through trusted resources and follow the direction of your local officials,” Youngkin said.
The state of emergency allows Virginia “to mobilize resources and equipment needed for response and recovery efforts,” according to the governor’s office.
Forecast
THURSDAY:
Hefty early morning rain
Overcast and humid, spotty PM showers
Highs: Near 80
Winds: South 5-10 mph
Today will be the warmest day of the week with highs in the mid-70s to near 80 degrees. You’ll still want to keep the rain gear on hand with the chance for more rain. There will be a lot more dry time today compared to the past few days. It will also remain very humid for this time of year.
THURSDAY NIGHT:
Overcast
Lows: 67-74
Winds: Southeast 5 mph
Mild and muggy conditions are expected overnight. While an isolated shower is possible, most of the nighttime hours will be dry. Rain will develop toward dawn.
FRIDAY:
Areas of rain
Highs: near 75
Winds: East 5-15 mph
Rain from the outer edge of Helene will arrive to round out the week, especially across southwestern Virginia. While the storm won’t have “hurricane” status, it will move over the Tennessee River Valley pinwheeling moisture from south to north in our direction. Pockets of moderate to heavy rain will be possible along with the risk for isolated flooding. Outside of any rain, it will be overcast with tropical humidity and a breezy easterly wind.
THIS WEEKEND:
The final weekend of September brings the promise of a little sunshine — something we haven’t seen all week. Early morning clouds and a lingering rain chance Saturday will give way to some sunshine midday. It will be warm and humid with highs in the low 80s. Clouds will increase Saturday night with overcast skies and rain chances returning Sunday. Sunday will also be much cooler with highs in the low 70s. It will remain muggy, but humidity levels will slowly drop into early next week. There is a sign of a pattern change by midweek next week that will usher in some bright, dry and cool autumn air.