Potomac River Nearing 10-Foot Flood Stage

The National Weather Service is predicting flooding along the Potomac River between Harpers Ferry and Washington, D.C.

Monday NWS reported that "residents and businesses along the Potomac River in... Washington should prepare for a flood not seen since the floods of 1996."

Flood gates are in place at the Washington Harbour complex, which experienced devastating flooding in April 2011.

The Potomac River could experience "significant flooding" as smaller rivers and watersheds continue to flood and empty into the main stem Potomac River, according to NWS. 

Though initial estimate for water levels have been downgraded, the NWS says "moderate to near major flooding is still expected at many locations."

The highest forecast on the NWS River Webpage is that the Potomac could reach 12.2 feet by Nov. 1. The farthest future forecast is that water levels will subside to 9 feet by Nov. 2.

High tide Tuesday morning was at 9:08 a.m. and the river will reach high tide again at 9:19 p.m.

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