Lingering rain showers create messy Monday commute

Rain snarls Monday morning commute

Lingering rain showers Monday morning created a messy commute across the region, leading to multiple crashes and delays.

WASHINGTON - Lingering rain showers Monday morning created a messy commute across the region, leading to multiple crashes and delays.

A jackknifed tractor-trailer on the outer loop of the Beltway near Georgia Avenue snarled traffic around 4:30 a.m. In Lanham, a crash on the outer loop of Interstate 495 after MD-450/Annapolis Road blocked the center lane, while flooded roads created additional hazards on I-495 near the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.

Rain disrupts morning commute

What we know:

Further west, a crash on Interstate 66 after US-17/Winchester Road in the Marshall area partially blocked the roadway.

Downed trees also forced a school closure in Montgomery County. Officials said a tree fell on Westland Middle School in Bethesda, requiring large cranes for removal. Several classrooms were initially closed, but the school later shut down entirely.

Lingering rain showers create messy Monday commute

Flood Watch remains in effect

A Flood Watch remains in effect from noon Monday through the evening for parts of western Maryland, western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia. Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

Conditions will dry out closer to the weekend.