WHEN WILL ISAAC REACH THE DC AREA?, TROPICAL STORM LESLIE UPDATE - BETHESDA WEATHER FORECAST

The big question has been, will the remnants of Hurricane Isaac hit Bethesda, and if so, when?

The center of Tropical Depression Isaac is currently over Ohio.  Some outer clouds and precipitation associated with Isaac may reach us later today, but the heavier rains will come Tuesday.  My Bethesda Forecast below will have more specifics of what to expect throughout the day.

One piece of good news, is that the National Hurricane Center has again adjusted the amount of rainfall Isaac is expected to drop on the DC area, from 2" to 1.75" over the next few days.  Assuming no stallouts in the atmosphere, that should reduce the risk of local flooding.

As Isaac moves closer to the Mid-Atlantic tonight, rains will become heavier into tomorrow.

BETHESDA STORM CENTER

LESLIE UPDATE

Leslie has again declined to strengthen into a hurricane.  In fact, its winds have dropped to 60 MPH!  The bad news is that Leslie has slowed almost 50%, which will allow it to strengthen as it enters warmer waters.  However, the National Hurricane Center says it does not expect Leslie to strengthen today or Tuesday.  If you're reading this in the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, Leslie is passing you by, but be alert for swells and rip currents at local beaches.

LOCATION:  610 miles SSE of Bermuda

WINDS:  60 MPH

MOVING:  NNW at 8 MPH

BETHESDA FORECAST

Your umbrella is still your best friend today!  This morning, it will be mostly cloudy, with patchy fog and some showers.  After 11 AM or later, showers and thunderstorms.  There is a 70% chance of rain, with cloudy skies the rest of the time.  High 82, 6-9 MPH breeze.

Tonight, cooler and cloudy, with a 5-7 MPH breeze.  Thunderstorm possible before midnight, and showers possible after midnight.

Make sure to follow @BethesdaRow on Twitter, and stay tuned here for Bethesda weather and hurricane updates.

WHAT DOES ISAAC HAVE IN STORE FOR BETHESDA AND THE DC AREA? - HURRICANE FORECAST, BETHESDA WEATHER

BETHESDA STORM CENTER

ISAAC UPDATE

As Tropical Storm Isaac nears landfall in the Gulf Region, it's natural for Bethesda residents to wonder what the storm may do to the Washington, DC area when it arrives this coming weekend.

My prediction?  Rain, rain and more rain.  But - power outages and toppling trees (due to saturated soil, more than wind) aside - the remnants of Isaac should not be very destructive.

There are several indications why this should be the case.  First, Isaac appears to be a bit of a wimp.  Given that the storm has been over warm waters in the Gulf, but has failed to gain much additional steam or fury, it is unlikely to power up enough to carry destructive force very far inland.

Second, Isaac has been tracking slightly west.  The closer it lands to Texas, the more land it will have to cross to reach the Mid-Atlantic states.  Since land is the kryptonite of hurricanes, Isaac simply won't have much punch by Sunday or Monday.

Finally, Isaac has shown it can produce flooding.  Isaac reminds me of Tropical Storm Lee just about one year ago.  Another "wimp," but do you remember how long Lee's remnants rained on Bethesda days later?

So, I predict no need to take unusual emergency precautions here for Isaac.  But should Isaac take a similar path back to the Atlantic as Lee, there could be flash flood risks around the DC area.

Hold off on any major outdoor plans for Saturday - and especially Sunday and Monday.  We'll know a lot more of what - if anything - to expect from Isaac as the next few days unfold.

TROPICAL STORM ISAAC BULLETIN

CURRENT LOCATION:  185 miles SSE of Biloxi, MS
WINDS:  70 MPH
MOVING:  NW at 7 MPH

+Louis Armstrong and Pensacola airports closed

+Amtrak suspends service into/out of New Orleans through Wednesday

+LA Gov. Bobby Jindal mobilizes 4000 National Guard troops

Click here to find out about the Hurricane Simulator in Bethesda!  

Stay tuned for all the latest Bethesda hurricane news.   And tune your Twitter to @BethesdaRow!  Count on Robert Dyer for the helpful, hyperlocal Bethesda emergency weather coverage you need 24/7.

PREPARE FOR ISAAC BY TESTING YOURSELF INSIDE A HURRICANE SIMULATOR IN BETHESDA!!

BETHESDA STORM CENTER

ISAAC UPDATE

Welcome, readers, to special weather coverage here on Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row.  My hope is to continue to provide you with the same, comprehensive updates during this hurricane season, as I have in the past.  I thank you for your continued readership and support.  Check in here - and on Twitter at @BethesdaRow - for 24/7 coverage of Isaac, as it approaches Bethesda this weekend.

How better to prepare for a hurricane, than with a Hurricane Simulator!

Step right up, and enter the Hurricane Simulator if you dare

Stop by Level 1 in Westfield Montgomery Mall, in the Old Navy wing, and take the Hurricane Simulator for a spin.  Or, should I say, let it take you for a spin!

Pay $2, and enter the chamber.  Soon, you will experience hurricane-force winds.  Upload video of yourself, and win prizes.

Those who have predicted the extinction of the American
indoor shopping mall are feeling pretty stupid right now

Only in Bethesda.

TROPICAL STORM ISAAC BULLETIN

CURRENT LOCATION:  185 miles WSW of Fort Myers, FL
WINDS:  65 MPH
MOVING:   WNW at 14 MPH

LA Gov. Bobby Jindal declares state of emergency
New Orleans Mayor:  Superdome, Louis Armstrong Airport not shelters