Flash flooding strikes from Colorado to Maryland

Flash flooding struck from Colorado to Maryland on Tuesday.

May 23, 2018, 6:43 AM

Flash flooding on Tuesday stretched all the way from Colorado to Maryland.

Arlington, Virginia, saw one to two inches of rain in about an hour, while in Fort Collins, Colorado, heavy rain combined with a downpour of hail to fill streets and stall vehicles in less than one hour.

Some parts of central Florida have seen almost a foot-and-a-half of rain over the last 10 days, and more is likely on the way.

PHOTO: Weather map shows a 60% chance of tropical development over the next 5 days.
There is a 60% chance of tropical development over the next 5 days.
ABC News

The tropical season is getting underway with the National Hurricane Center advising that the tropical disturbance in the northwest Caribbean Sea has a 60 percent chance of tropical development over the weekend. It comes at an inconvenient time, during Memorial Day weekend. Outdoor activities could be hampered from Louisiana and Florida to the Carolinas.

PHOTO: Weather map shows a tropical system expected to move north into the Gulf of Mexico by Saturday.
The tropical system is expected to move north into the Gulf of Mexico by Saturday
ABC News

By Saturday the tropical disturbance is expected to move north into the Gulf of Mexico, where conditions are more conducive for the development of a tropical or sub-tropical depression. The heaviest rain will be mostly on the east side of the tropical low, which includes much of Florida, the northern Gulf Coast, and parts of the southeast.

PHOTO: Weather maps shows heavy rain forecast across Florida and the Southeast.
Up to half a foot of rain is possible across Florida and the Southeast.
ABC News

Regardless of any tropical development, very heavy rain is coming to Florida and parts of the Southeast. Abundant tropical moisture will bring numerous showers and thunderstorms across Florida, especially Saturday through Monday, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Three to six inches or more of rain is expected across the already saturated state of Florida.

With a lot more rain in the forecast from this potential tropical system, Florida and the Southeast will need to be on alert for additional flooding rains throughout the holiday weekend.

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