Severe storms caused flooding in the D.C. area during Monday evening's commute, including at a D.C. business where several dogs drowned just a year after another flood caused extensive damage to the facility.
Heavy rain, powerful winds and hail battered parts of the area Monday afternoon. News4 received reports of drivers stranded because of high water, including in the city of Fairfax.
Flash flooding was a major concern as multiple inches of rain fell quickly, Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper said.
A flood watch was in effect for D.C. and parts of Maryland and Virginia until 2 a.m.
D.C. Fire and EMS responded to reports of cars under water and people stranded on top of cars in the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE.
District Dogs, which offers a dog spa, day care, boarding and grooming services, flooded again just over a year after floodwaters trashed the business. Firefighters carried soaked dogs out of the facility as apparent dog owners waited outside, but multiple pets died.
“We’ve had some fatalities for the dogs,” D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said.
Flash flooding of 2 to 4 inches was reported in Alexandria and Springfield, the National Weather Service said. People reported being stranded in their cars in water at least 2 feet deep.
In Alexandria, Duke Street at Daingerfield Road was closed because of high water. People were being rescued as multiple vehicles were stuck in high water, officials said.
In Fairfax, Old Keene Mill Road was closed at Rolling Road. People were stranded in cars.
In Arlington, Columbia Pike was closed at South Greenbrier Street due to water flowing across the road. Video shows drivers and a bus passing through high water on Columbia Pike.
An 80-year-old woman was rescued from her car stuck in flooding on Upshur Road in Bladensburg, Maryland. Her son, who came to pick her up, told News4 she was driving when she came upon the flooded roadway.
The area has flooded in the past. Her car remained on the road until the water receded.
As always, never drive through high water. Turn around — don’t drown.
Tornado warnings were in effect and later expired for parts of Arlington, Charles, and Fairfax counties, plus Alexandria.
A wind gust of 58 mph was recorded at Reagan National Airport, the National Weather Service said.
Weather radar
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