Friday, September 17, 2004
Rain from Hurricane Ivan visits DC
Josh Larson @ 12:00 AM
There are conflicting signals from models regarding the potential for significant rain in the DC metro area. Yesterday I downplayed the threat for, and potential accumulation of, heavy rain in the DC metro area. And while it now looks like at least several inches of rain are possible over the area, I continue to believe that the bulk of the dynamics with this system may remain to our west.
However, as Jason wisely pointed out, the remnants of Hurricane Ivan certainly have the potential to provide the DC metro area with significant rainfall. In fact, NOAA's Hydrometeorological Prediction Center (HPC) believes that there is the possibility for 1-3" of rain to fall in the immediate area, with localized amounts of up to 5", especially over the northwestern half of the metro area. (My own gut feeling is that >50% of the immediate metro area will probably see between .5" and 2" of rain.)
It now appears that today may be a washout, with periods of moderate to, at times, heavy rain, and breezy southwest winds 10-15mph. Highs will be in the low 70's. Expect periods of rain to continue tonight with gustier east winds 10-20mph. Saturday will probably feature rain and showers of a much more scattered variety, though occasional downpours are possible; highs will be near 70, with the wind now from the north 10-20mph. Widely scattered showers may linger Saturday night into Sunday morning, though the bulk of the precipitation will likely fall from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch, suggesting that flooding of small rivers and streams, as well as urban and low lying areas is possible over the next 48 hours.
You may find these links helpful:
Local radar loop
Current DC metro area watches/warnings
Storm total local doppler estimated precipitation
Use the comments section to update us and readers about rainfall accumulations in your area!
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