STERLING VA:  (ROCKTOWN NOW) – A flood watch is in effect from 4 PM EDT this afternoon through Monday morning, with flash flooding possible due to excessive rainfall. The affected areas include portions of Virginia such as Albemarle, Augusta, Central Virginia Blue Ridge, Culpeper, Eastern Highland, Greene, Madison, Nelson, Northern Virginia Blue Ridge, Orange, Page, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren, and Western Highland. In eastern West Virginia, the areas include Eastern Grant, Eastern Pendleton, Hardy, Western Grant, and Western Pendleton.

Timing and Impact

The flood watch will be in place from this afternoon through Monday morning. Slow-moving showers and potential thunderstorms are expected late today into the evening, with rainfall amounts ranging from one to three inches. Given the already saturated soils and swollen streams and rivers, flooding is a significant concern. Excessive runoff may lead to flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

Safety and Preparedness

Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions. For more information on flood safety and preparedness, please visit www.weather.gov/safety/flood.