A line of heavy thunderstorms swept across the D.C. region Wednesday evening, unleashing torrential rains that flooded streets and violent wind gusts that toppled trees. The storms produced spectacular skies — including menacing clouds on approach and vivid rainbows upon exiting.

Thousands of people were in the path of a dangerous storm that moved through North Carolina on Wednesday afternoon.

More than 111 people have died across six counties after flash flooding from heavy rain began affecting the state last week.

Flooding is the deadliest natural disaster facing Oklahomans, a threat far greater than tornadoes. In the United States, flooding kills an average of 103 people a year. Tornadoes, however, caused 48 deaths on average during the same period, according to the National Weather Service.

Happening now: The strongest storms have moved east of the region, but rain is slow to wind down near and east of D.C. A flood watch and severe thunderstorm watch are in effect for parts of the area. What’s next? Typical July heat, relentless humidity and daily storm chances continue through the weekend.

More showers & storms should develop again on Thursday, mainly in the afternoon and early evening. With a Level 1, Marginal risk, for isolated severe storms for Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina, any one of these storms could reach severe limits with some damaging wind and some locally heavy rain.

After a short break from the humidity and rain, unsettled weather returns to Northeast Ohio starting Wednesday.

There’s a lot of moisture available for showers and storms to take advantage of and that means some hefty rainfall totals show up in spots. oday’s storms can drop a quick 1″-3″ of rain with locally higher amounts. There’s also the low-end risk for a few severe storms to show up.