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A flash flood warning was issued for Fairfax County and Fairfax City on July 1, 2025, as thunderstorms poured heavy rain across much of the Washington area.

The National Weather Service said the warning would remain in effect until 6 p.m. Doppler radar at 2:54 p.m. indicated that between half an inch and 1.5 inches of rain had already fallen.

Rain was coming down at an estimated rate of 1.5 to 2.5 inches per hour, with another 1 to 2.5 inches possible in the warned area. Flash flooding was already occurring or expected to begin shortly.

The weather service warned that small creeks and streams could flood, along with urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses and other low-lying or poorly drained locations.

Earlier in the day, forecasters cautioned that storms would arrive despite initially sunny skies. Flood and severe thunderstorm watches covered Fairfax County and the broader region. The flood watch ran from 2 to 11 p.m., while the severe thunderstorm watch was scheduled to remain in effect until 9 p.m.

Abundant atmospheric moisture was expected to help the storms produce intense rainfall. Meteorologist Jackie Layer and the National Weather Service forecast 1 to 2 inches across Fairfax County, with higher amounts possible in isolated areas.

Across the wider flood-watch area, forecasters expected widespread totals of 1 to 2 inches and pockets of 3 to 5 inches. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms were possible, including storms repeatedly passing over the same locations.

Officials advised residents to monitor updated forecasts and prepare to act if additional flash flood warnings were issued.