Heavy rain hits Washington area

Drenching downpours burst late Friday night over several sections of Northern Virginia, sending water onto roadways, according to witnesses and authorities.

At least one car got stuck in high water on Annandale Road near Walnut Hill Lane, according to the Fairfax County emergency communications center. The high water was apparently a product of sudden heavy rain and a blocked storm drain.

One witness likened the sudden deluge to being inside a car wash. Many parts of the area collected almost no rain at all, however, as the storm swept southward around 11:30 p.m.

Earlier Friday night, heavy rain and strong winds were reported in the Clifton area.

--Martin Weil and Clarence Williams