WASHINGTON — We have been stuck in a very dry weather pattern the past several weeks, but beneficial rain is finally here. The entire DMV is experiencing drought conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme in our western counties.
A large area of low pressure will continue to bring steady rain to the DMV all day Tuesday. The wet weather won't stop until late tonight and overnight into Wednesday morning. Gusty wind will continue to ramp up throughout the day as well with gusts between 30 - 35 mph expected by Tuesday night.
A Winter Weather Advisory has been extended until 3 p.m. for Garrett and extreme western Allegany county in Maryland as well as parts of Grant and Mineral county in West Virginia where light icing accumulation is expected to continue.
There is a threat of minor to moderate coastal flooding during high tide cycles in D.C., parts of southern Maryland and King George county in addition to Annapolis in Baltimore where Coastal Flood Advisories and Coastal Flood Warnings are issued.
Timeline:
Tuesday 3 p.m.
Pockets of moderate to heavy rain will continue to mix in with otherwise light rain.
Tuesday 6 p.m.
The heaviest and steadiest rain arrives in the region around dinner-time Tuesday. If you're planning to hit the road after work Tuesday plan on delays and wet roads.
Tuesday 9 p.m.
Rain starts to clear for areas west of I81 with pockets of heavy and moderate rain still around metro D.C.
Wednesday Midnight
The heaviest rain will be pushing east of I95 with lingering showers around D.C.
Wednesday 7 a.m.
We'll wake up to a few clouds Wednesday that will clear throughout the morning.
Rainfall Totals:
We are forecasting a widespread 1 -2" of rain with locally higher totals possible. The good news is, we really need the rain and this will be beneficial toward our ongoing drought.
Wind:
In addition to the wet weather, plan on gusty wind. There will be a noticeable breeze in the morning with gusts picking up to 20 - 30 mph by late morning. The strongest wind is expected later in the afternoon with occasional gusts up to 35 mph.
Make sure you secure any holiday decorations or outdoor furniture that may be easily blown over.
A Wind Advisory has been issued for parts of southern and western Maryland where winds may gust up to 50 mph.
Wednesday will be a much better travel day with no rain and partial clearing in the DMV and the Mid-Atlantic. We will have a great Thanksgiving with seasonable temps and plenty of sunshine.
