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.

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.

HOUSTON — After a stormy Tuesday evening that brought isolated flooding and lightning across Southeast Texas, more rain and storms are expected to return on Wednesday, with widespread impacts likely during the afternoon commute.

Skywatchers may have a harder time spotting July's full moon in Iowa. The evening of Wednesday, July 9, is expected to have 50-80% cloud cover across the state with some thunderstorms possible starting in western Iowa around 10 p.m. and moving across the state through the night, according to the National Weather Service.

Sarah MacLean’s latest novel dives into family drama, romance, and high-stakes inheritance games. “These Summer Storms” follows Alice Storm, estranged from her wealthy family for five years, as she returns to their private island after her father’s death.

Another flood watch is in effect from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday, with another round of potent thunderstorms expected later Thursday.

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.