UPDATED: Arlington Under Flash Flood, Severe Thunderstorm Watches

Update at 1:50 p.m. — In addition to the Flash Flood Watch, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was just issued for the area. Damaging winds, hail and torrential downpours are possible, forecasters say.

Earlier: Storms packing heavy downpours could cause sudden flooding later today.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Arlington and much of the region. The watch is in effect starting at 2 p.m. this afternoon, until early morning Sunday.

…FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE

SATURDAY NIGHT… The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a * Flash Flood Watch for portions of DC, Maryland and northern Virginia, including the following areas: in DC, District of Columbia. In Maryland, Anne Arundel, Cecil, Central and Southeast Howard, Central and Southeast Montgomery, Northern Baltimore, Northwest Harford, Prince Georges, Southeast Harford and Southern Baltimore. In northern Virginia, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria and Fairfax. * Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening, potentially lingering into early Sunday morning. Localized rainfall amounts of up to 1-2 inches per hour will be possible at times. Total rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. * Heavy rain in short periods of time will cause the potential for streams and creeks to quickly rise out of their banks as well as the potential for flash flooding in urban areas. You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.