Waldorf, MD – Southern Marylanders woke up Monday morning to a monsoon, causing flooding in multiple areas throughout the D.C. area and drenching all who ventured outside. The sudden rainfall began as many commuters were starting their drive, leaving many stranded, delayed, or unable to get to work.
Flash flood warning were issued for Charles County around 9 a.m., warning of significant flooding potential in areas like Waldorf and La Plata. In total the D.C., Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area had close to half a trillion gallons of water poured on it in a 12-18 hour period, per preliminary data from meteorologists. The rate was recorded as high as 4 to 6 inches an hour, the average precipitation for the DMV in July is only 4.13 inches.
According to data provided by the National Weather Service (NWS), Calvert County made it out of Monday driest, with just 1.54 inches of rainfall and St. Mary’s the worst with Golden Beach receiving 4.39 inches and California getting 3.64 inches.
The monumental rainfalls made July 8, 2019 one of the wettest summer days in the region’s history. The Post reported that the cause of the torrential downpours and flooding was due to the perfect mixture, combining “very high air mass humidity, a stalled front, unstable air, and a disturbance along that front.”
The event was reminiscent of 2018, which was dubbed the area’s “wettest year on record” by the NWS. Last summer the region received 20.13 inches of rainfall, setting back progress on various projects and revealing drainage improvement needs throughout Southern Maryland. Last July almost 10 inches fell in July alone, this year has not been as wet but still exceeds averages.
Contact Jerold at staffwriter@thebaynet.com.
