Rain, fog and crashes slow Tuesday morning commute across DC area – WTOP News

Multiple crashes were reported across the D.C. region during Tuesday’s rainy morning commute as steady showers, patchy fog and gusty northeast winds created slick driving conditions.

The WTOP Traffic Center reported five crashes during a 20-minute period in the 5 a.m. hour on Interstate 66 near Marshall, Interstate 270 near Interstate 370, Interstate 95 near Maryland Route 32, and Virginia Route 28 near the Dulles Toll Road. A crash involving debris also blocked a lane on the Outer Loop of the Beltway near the Springfield Interchange.

“More steady showers pushing in as we go throughout this morning commute,” 7News Meteorologist Jordan Evans told WTOP.

Evans said much of the D.C. region had already received between a half-inch and an inch of rain, with another half-inch to inch possible.

“It’s not going to rain the entire day,” Evans said. “There will be some breaks at times, but definitely damp and dreary.”

Drivers should allow extra time for wet roads, slick leaves and reduced visibility.

The National Weather Service said periods of rain and below-normal temperatures will continue, before conditions improve later Wednesday. Persistent northeast winds could also contribute to tidal flooding in vulnerable spots.

Highs Tuesday will remain in the low to mid-60s.

Thursday is trending drier, and temperatures should rebound into the 70s by the weekend.

FORECAST

TODAY: WEATHER ALERT: Rain likely, patchy fog. Highs in the 60s.
Winds: Northeast 10-15 mph, gusts 25-30 mph

TONIGHT: Rain likely. Lows in the 50s.
Winds: Northeast 10-15 mph, gusts 25 mph

WEDNESDAY: Morning rain likely. Highs between 60 and 65.
Winds: Northeast 10-15 mph, gusts 25-30 mph

THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy, breezy. Highs between 65 and 68.
Winds: Northeast 10-15 mph, gusts 20 mph

FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. Highs between 65 and 70.
Winds: North 5-15 mph