Heavy rain and wind gusts up to 50 mph are expected in the D.C. area on Saturday.
Storm Team4 is in Weather Alert mode as tropical storm-like conditions are expected.
Steady rain began falling in D.C. Friday night.
If you have outdoor plans for Saturday, they may have to change, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said. Several events have been called off for Saturday: The Anacostia River Splash and Fairfax Fiesta were canceled. The Falls Church Festival is rescheduled to Sunday. Alexandria City Public Schools canceled all Saturday activities at its facilities.
The Washington Nationals postponed Saturday's 1:05 p.m. game until 6:35 p.m. Sunday. Sunday's game scheduled for 1:35 p.m. is expected to go on as planned.
“Be ready to stay put, stay safe and stay inside all day,” Bell said.
"This is just going to be a Saturday to stay indoors. Stay indoors and watch the rain,” Storm Team4 Chief Meteorologist Doug Kammerer said.
But the rain will come in rounds, so there will be breaks. The heaviest rain and strongest win is expected around 2-4 p.m.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, allowing commonwealth officials to mobilize crews and equipment.
“We want to ensure that all communities, particularly those with the greatest anticipated impact, have the resources they need to respond and recover from the effects of this storm,” Youngkin said in a statement.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore also signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency beginning Friday.
"If you can avoid driving or being out during the storm please do so," he said. "We are expecting an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall and elevated tides."
A cyclone in the Atlantic Ocean became Tropical Storm Ophelia, the National Hurricane Center said mid-afternoon Friday. Ophelia was forecast to make landfall Saturday morning.
A number of tropical storm warnings and coastal flood advisories are in effect. Go here for the full list.
Coastal flooding and flash flooding concerns
For areas that get coastal and tidal flooding, this will be a severe storm. Areas along the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria and the Georgetown waterfront should be prepared in case of rising water. Georgetown's flood wall was raised Friday in anticipation.
Flash flooding will be a major risk. Never drive on a water-covered road. Turn around, don't drown.
The Maryland State Highway Administration and Virginia State Police advised drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and to be alert while on the roads.
Areas on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay — including Calvert County and St. Mary’s County — are at risk of storm surge of 3 or 4 feet.
Rain totals may average 1-4 inches for most of our area.
Downed trees and power outages are possible, as well as travel restrictions on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Airport delays are likely, Kammerer said, so check with your airline before you head out.
How to prepare for storms in DC, Maryland and Virginia
Use Friday to prepare for the storm that’s headed to D.C., Maryland and Virginia, Bell said. Secure your trash cans and potted plants.
“Anything that can blow over or get blown down the road, make sure it is tied up tight tonight because the winds are really going to be ferocious tomorrow. Today is your prep day,” he said.
The Red Cross shared tips on how to prepare.
Here’s what to know about storm timing
Steady rain started falling in Southern Maryland Friday evening and reached the D.C. area about 10 p.m.
On Saturday, periods of hard, heavy rain are expected, and wind gusts up to 50 mph. The closer you are to the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore, the stronger the winds will be. It will also be chilly. Saturday's high is expected to be 64 degrees.
The heaviest rain is set to fall about 2-4 p.m. Saturday. This could affect the DC United game scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The center of the storm is expected to go through the region about 7 a.m. Sunday.
The storm will then push up to the north and west and is not expected to affect the Washington Commanders game Sunday afternoon.
Starting Monday, hit-and-miss rain is expected.
