Rain has caused flooding in parts of D.C., Maryland and Virginia as coastal and river flood warnings continue for the region.
The Potomac River is 3 to 4 feet above normal throughout the area. News4 meteorologist Tom Kierein said the river at Point of Rocks was 10 feet above flood stage Monday morning. Departures are about 5 feet above normal in Georgetown, and moderate flooding is expected through high tide Monday evening.
That, however, should be the worst of the flooding, as waters are expected to recede.
The flood threat at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park has been reduced. The Potomac River at Little Falls crested Monday afternoon, and river levels were falling Monday night, according to the National Parks Service. Officials expect river levels to fall below flood stage Tuesday morning.
Despite spilling over its banks, the Potomac hasn't caused any major commercial or residential damage.
Once this system clears out, the rest of the week is looking good. Temperatures should rise, and we should actually see the sun again by Wednesday.
Since rain began falling Friday, the region has seen between an inch and a half and two and a half inches -- and that's likely to be the extent of it, noted News4 meteorologist Chuck Bell. The District itself received one inch of rain over the past 48 hours.
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Parts of Old Town were flooded with water nearly knee-high, and residents and business owners were stacking sandbags to keep the water out.
The rain and many inches of snow we had over the winter had the potential to cause the worst widespread flooding in the area since 1996.
Whatever you do, don't try to drive through a flooded roadway; that's how most flood deaths happen, according to the National Weather Service.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advised against recreational use of the Potomac.
The C&O Canal National Historical Park also declared a flood emergency and said visitors should be cautious or stay away from the Potomac River and its tributaries, the NPS added. High, fast-moving and very dangerous waters were expected, with these conditions persisting well into the middle of next week, if not longer, according to Bill Line, communications and tourism officer for the NPS.
In Maryland, eight roads were reported blocked early Saturday by trees that fell because of rain and wind. Floodwaters also surged up King Street in Alexandria Saturday, leaving a mess for some restaurants to clean up, the Washington Post reported.
Stay with NBC4 and NBCWashington.com for updates.
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