Pop-up storms, high winds cause downed power lines, trees across area
WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - The ups and downs of March continued into Friday as pop-up thunderstorms and gusty winds moved into the area during the evening hours following a day of heavy rain that brought flooding concerns to parts of the D.C. region.
FOX 5's Mike Thomas says about two inches of precipitation fell across the region Thursday into Friday and some areas remain under a Flood Warning. Record-setting rain fell at Dulles and near record-setting rain was recorded at Reagan and BWI airports.
Download the FOX 5 Weather App
The rain flooded some roadways in the region and high water and debris forced White's Ferry in Montgomery County to close on Friday. A large sinkhole along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in the McLean area of Fairfax County caused major traffic problems during the morning commute. It will remain closed throughout the weekend, National Park Service officials said Thursday afternoon.
While we should see some sun Friday, Thomas says another rain burst during the mid-afternoon hours could bring fast-moving showers to our area before moving out by the evening hours. As the storm moves out of our region strong wind gusts will remain. Strong winds of between 30 and 50 mph will stick around until Saturday, Thomas says, with High Wind Advisories in place for areas mostly to the north and west of D.C. from 12 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday. Because of the soaking rain, Thomas says, the ground is saturated and there is the concern of strong winds bringing down trees.
It will start to feel more like spring on Sunday when the winds finally start to calm down and temperatures reach the lower 60s. Highs near 65 degrees are expected on Monday and mild weather with dry skies are likely most of the week.
Stay with FOX 5 on the app and online for weather updates:
Get the latest FOX 5 forecast here.
Check the latest Closings and Delays
Download the FOX 5 Weather App
Check the latest weather radars
Check for power outages in DC region
Stay up to date with the FOX 5 Weather Team on Twitter: @fox5weather , @suepalkafox5dc, @garyfox5dc, @TuckerFox5, @gwenfox5dc , @MikeTFox5, @caitlinrothfox5