Flash Flood Watch Issued for Region

Heavy rainfall is expected through Friday night in the Fredericksburg region, the National Weather Service reported.  The areas effected include the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Orange, Culpeper, Spotsylvania, Stafford and King George.

"Deep tropical moisture associated with Andrea will spread across the region Thursday night and Friday," the NWS said.  "The potential exists for heavy rainfall to develop east of the Blue Ridge beginning Friday morning and continuing into Friday night."

At 2 p.m. EDT, the center of Tropical Storm Andrea was located about 35 miles west-southwest of Cedar Key, Fla., the NWS reported.  The storm is moving toward the northeast at about 17 mph, with maximum sustained winds at 60 mph.

"A northeastward acceleration is expected during the next 48 hours, with Andrea reaching the coast of Florida in the next few hours, before moving northeastward near the East Coast through Saturday,' the NWS said.

In the Fredericksburg region excessive runoff from heavy rains may cause flash flooding within the watch area, which includes DC, portions of Maryland, and the following areas in Virginia -- in alphabetical order:

Albemarle, Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria, Culpeper, Fairfax, Greene, King George, Loudoun, Madison, Nelson, North Fauquier, Orange, Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park, Rappahannock, Southern Fauquier, Spotsylvania and Stafford.

"Heavy rainfall of 2 to 4 inches with isolated totals up to 6 inches can be expected," the NWS said.  Excessive runoff from heavy rains may lead to flash flooding of low lying areas and small streams.  "The greatest impact for heavy rainfall is expected to occur between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Friday," the NWS said.

Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.  The NWS urges residents to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

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