Flash Flood — District of Columbia, District of Columbia

2006-06-25 to 2006-06-27 · near Countywide, District of Columbia, District of Columbia

Wider weather episode

A weak cold front settled over the forecast area from June 23 until June 27. Waves of low pressure rode northeast along the front. Flow in the atmosphere was parallel to the boundary, producing several rounds of training echoes. As a result, double digit rainfall totals affected parts of the region through the five days. There were also several rounds of severe weather with damaging winds and large hail during the period.A slow-moving line of thunderstorms fired along a tropical moisture plume and dumped between 4 and 7 inches of rain in Washington DC, causing extensive urban flooding on June 25 and June 26. Washington National Airport recorded more than 10 inches of rain, with new daily records being set both Sunday and Monday. Numerous roadways were flooded and/or closed, including some major arteries like the Capital Beltway near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge due to a mudslide. The IRS Building, National Archives, Department of Justice, and Environmental Protection Agency buildings were closed for the beginning of the workweek. Extensive power outages across the region occurred during this event. Major disruption of transportation was experienced June 26 due to the flooding. MARC Commuter rail experienced disruptions, Virginia Railway Express commuter rail did not operate, and flooding in underground tunnels forced much of the Washington Metro rail to close. At one point, 4 feet of water was reported in the 9th Street tunnel in DC. Rock Creek flooded, and threw several vehicles up against trees due to the fast flowing high flood waters. The National Park Service reported severe damages at Rock Creek Park at a level more severe than damages sustained during Hurricane Isabel in September, 2003. Severe erosion occurred along park roads and trails. Numerous trees were downed all around the park area. Many roads were closed for several days around the park.This storm significantly contributed to June 2006 being the wettest ever in Washington DC. The monthly rainfall total reached 14.02 inches at Reagan National Airport, much of that from this late June heavy rainfall event.Damage estimates for this weather event were estimated using information from the National Park Service, newspaper reports, and local Emergency Management officials.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5515325. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.