WASHINGTON - The latest forecast models show that Hurricane Joaquin appears to be moving further out to sea. However, the D.C. metro area will still experience heavy rain this weekend from an unrelated storm system.
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday morning with at least 2 to 3 inches of rain expected. Washington, D.C., and much of Maryland and Virginia, will face flooding threats.
DC Water has handed out hundreds of sandbags to residents in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods of D.C. concerned about possible flooding at their homes.
In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan has rescinded the state of emergency in eight counties: Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George's. The remaining 15 counties and Baltimore City remain under the state of emergency until further notice.
In Laurel, the city is keeping an eye on potential flooding issues with a brand new sensor system that they just installed in the past few weeks. The sensors monitor the river levels and will set off alarms if the water rises to a level that could result in flooding. This would allow the city to alert residents of possible problems.
in Arlington, almost 200 people were reportedly without power Friday evening. This after a huge oak tree fell onto power lines and crashed down onto a UPS truck at around 5 p.m.
Out in the Eastern Shore in Maryland, officials in Ocean City say moderate to severe tidal flooding will continue in the resort community through Monday.
Spokeswoman Jessica Waters says low-lying areas in the city of about 8,000 year-round residents were inundated with nearly five feet of water during the Friday afternoon high tide.
Delmarva Power has disconnected power to areas of Ocean City because of storm surged flooding that submerged some of its electrical infrastructure.
Here are what other local areas are doing to prepare for possible heavy rain and floods:
The National Park Service is closing turf fields and canceling events around the Washington area as the region prepares for the arrival of heavy rain.
Park rangers and U.S. Park Police are clearing storm drains, setting up flood barriers and doing other prep work for major rainfall.
Officials caution that Hurricane Joaquin can continue to funnel tropical moisture into the unrelated storm that is in our area from afar and can worsen flooding conditions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Get the latest Hurricane Joaquin updates here: http://www.fox5dc.com/weather/28403542-story
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