Heavy rains and flash flooding predicted

Avoid driving on flooded streets.

The National Weather Service predicts hazardous weather in Northern Virginia through Thursday as the remnants of Hurricane Ida pass through. 

An extended period of heavy rain is expected, beginning late Tuesday and continuing through Thursday morning. Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are predicted, with some areas possibly experiencing up to 6 inches. 

That means the likelihood of flash flooding and overflowing streams and rivers, the NWS warns.

In addition, conditions will be favorable for isolated damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes on Wednesday. 

The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management offers the following advice for getting through the storm safely:

• Never drive or walk through flooded streets. It only takes six inches of moving water to sweep a person off their feet and 12 inches to move a car. If a street is flooded, “turn around; don’t drown.”
• Residents in areas prone to street flooding should move vehicles to higher elevations. Don’t park in restricted areas and try to avoid parking under trees when possible.
• Move any valuables from the basement, especially if your basement has flooded before.
• With all high-intensity rainfall, street flooding is possible, so if there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Flash floods can occur in streams and drainage channels with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
• Keep children away from creeks and their potentially rapidly rising waters.
• Check storm drains and gutters to ensure they are not clogged. Blocked storm drains prevent the flow of rain from reaching streams and stormwater detention ponds. The water then backs up into streets and yards and may flood basements. Blocked storm drains also may damage residential and commercial property and cause traffic delays.

To report a blocked storm drain, call Fairfax County Stormwater Management, 703-877-2800, or the Virginia Department of Transportation, 703-383-8368.