Update at 2:15 p.m. — On top of everything else, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was just issued for the region, through 9 p.m. Severe storms packing damaging winds are possible later today, with some Severe Thunderstorm Warnings already in effect west of the immediate D.C. area.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia until 9 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/vJPO2kTTQE

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 18, 2026

Earlier: A Flood Watch has been issued for Arlington, in effect Saturday afternoon and evening.

Forecasters say very heavy rainfall is possible later today, potentially causing flash flooding.

Flood Watch issued July 18 at 11:43AM EDT by NWS Baltimore MD/Washington DC

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 2 P.M. TO 8 P.M. EDT SATURDAY.

A slow-moving front will interact with a very humid airmass in place to result in multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE…Washington DC, and portions of Maryland, including the following areas, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Frederick, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Northwest Howard, Northwest Montgomery, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore, and northern Virginia, including the following areas, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax and Western Loudoun.