Update 7 p.m.
The National Weather Service has extended the flood warning for the Potomac Communities until 9:30 p.m.
Update 5:30 p.m.
One lane of U.S. 1 south is closed in the Potomac Hills area in North Stafford.
A fire and rescue vehicle from the Potomac Hills Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was sitting in the right southbound lane of U.S. 1, just south of Boswell’s Corner, preventing drivers from traveling through a large pool of water that formed on the highway.
In addition to the vehicle, officials also used bright orange cones to alert drivers to the lane closure.
Update 4 p.m.
A flood warning has been issued for the Potomac Communities this afternoon.
Heavy rain continues to fall across the region and will continue through the evening, according to forecasters.
The flood warning will expire at 6:30 p.m., however, the weather service says the heavy rains could last through 9 p.m.
Rain is falling right now at a quarter inch per hour, the weather service says.
Water has been reported covering roadways and flowing out of stream banks throughout the region, prompting the warning.
Drivers are encouraged not to drive through high water.
Original Post 9:50 a.m.
Rain and thunderstorms in the forecast have prompted a flood watch for the region today.
Rainfall could be heavy at times today, as three quarters of an inch could fall across the Potomac Communities, according to the National Weather Service.
The rain should continue through 9 p.m. with another quarter to a half inch of rain forecasted to fall.
Temperatures will remain warmer than average near the 60 degree mark.
On Monday, expect sunnier skies with temperatures in the more seasonable in the low 50s.
