Foul Weather Expected to Last Through Tomorrow

A fierce storm that pounded Southern states with wind and rain made its way into the Washington area early last night, with light showers ushering in two days of heavy weather that could include 45-mph wind gusts.

Most of last night's rain was light and sporadic. Winds were relatively calm. But the rain was expected to persist into this morning, with many areas getting a one- to two-inch soaking before the precipitation moves northeastward and out of the area.

As soggy as today is expected to be, forecasters predicted that precipitation will be only part of the story. This morning, northeast winds in the 15- to 20-mph range are expected, with accompanying gusts as strong as 30 mph.

Tomorrow's winds might be stronger than today's gusts, forecasters said -- reaching up to 45 mph, according to a National Weather Service forecast.

All of this stemmed from a vast storm system that spread over much of the eastern half of the nation last night. By 9:45 p.m., the weather service reported that it stretched from the lower Ohio River Valley to the coast of Louisiana.

This huge front, with dual low pressure centers, was heading to the Northeast, where its impact was expected to be greater than in the Washington area.

By last night, after a day of clouds, occasional sunshine and a few sprinkles now and then, rain had begun in most parts of the immediate Washington area.

This included the District, Dulles International Airport, Leesburg and Quantico.

The gusting winds tomorrow in this area will be "the worst part of the storm in terms of dramatics," AccuWeather meteorologist Alex J. Sosnowski said.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch expected to be in effect through today for the Washington area. Three inches of rain, more than forecast for most of the area, could bring isolated flooding, said weather service forecaster Richard Hitchens.