UPDATE: Flash Flood Watch in Effect Through Wednesday Night

Update, May 18, 11:30 a.m.:

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Potomac River near Little Falls from Thursday evening until Friday evening.

Minor flooding is forecast. Flood stage is 10 feet. The river is expected to rise above flood stage on Thursday evening and crest at 10.5 feet by Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The forecast event would be similar to minor flooding that occurred on March 12.

At 9 a.m. on Wednesday the river  was at 4.9 feet and holding steady.

A flash flood watch is in effect through Wednesday evening for all of the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan areas. Rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches per hour are expected through Wednesday evening.

Drivers are reminded never to attempt to drive through standing water.

Original post, May 17:

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch through late Tuesday night.

Rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible during the heavier showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall could cause streams and creeks to rise quickly, causing the potential for flash flooding in urban and low-lying areas.

In addition to heavy rainfall, storms could also produce large hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

Drivers should be careful when coming upon standing water, as it may be much deeper than it looks. Alternate routes should be considered.