Rainy daze: Flash flood watch issued across our area as heavy precipitation approaches

Heavy rain set to begin during Friday’s overnight hours could bring flash flooding to parts of the area, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a pre-emptive watch beginning at midnight.

The NWS office in Wakefield issued the flood watch Thursday afternoon as a slow-moving front will cross over us beginning late Thursday night. The heaviest of the precipitation is expected after sunrise, with the possibility of 2-4 inches of rain by Friday night. Some spots could see even more.

“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” NWS said. Urban areas could also experience flooding and road ponding.

In Petersburg, the most likely candidates for flooding are in the downtown and Old Towne areas – particularly Bank and Wythe streets beneath Interstate 95. However, with the amount of rainfall expected, NWS said almost any spot could see some ponding or flooding as storm drains become deluged.

NWS encouraged preparation for the hazardous potential flood watches bring.

“You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings,” it said. “Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.”

The flood watch extends from southeastern Maryland to central Virginia and Tidewater.

This is a developing story. Stay with progress-index.com for updates as they become available.