Like a villain in a predictable horror movie, Deluge ’06 refuses to go away, even after being stabbed, burnt, and buried by angry villagers (us). After being practically washed away last week, Washington enjoyed a nearly precip-free streak of days, before yesterday afternoon’s thunderstorms chased hordes of Jason Alexander fans from the Mall and let us all know that our sins had not yet been expunged.

Those of you lucky enough to have window views may have noticed that the buildings across the street are no longer visible, because there is water in the way. Expect more this evening, says the National Weather Service, which has issued Flash Flood and Severe Thunderstorm watches through tonight:

DEEP MOISTURE REMAINS OVER THE MID ATLANTIC REGION TODAY. SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS HAVE BEEN PRODUCING HEAVY RAINFALL ACROSS THE REGION…AND THIS HAS LEAD TO SOIL CONDITIONS BEING NEARLY SATURATED. ADDITIONAL SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TONIGHT ACROSS THE REGION AND HEAVY RAINFALL WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH THIS ACTIVITY. RAINFALL RATES IN SOME THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR.

The Weather Service always shouts.

Once again, we instruct you all to be very careful until the danger has passed. Stay away from streams, low-lying areas, and roads with cars. If you’re at work, we strongly advise you to leave now, especially since doing so will allow you to get home in time for the second World Cup semi-final. That is all.

Picture taken by Samer Farha.