Torrential rains swamped the US capital since earlier on Tuesday morning, causing massive road and rail delays, knocking out power for thousands and even partially flooding the White House basement. Water gushed into the press workspace in the basement near the White House's West Wing. Government employees worked to drain small paddles of standing water with wet vacs.

Roads were flooded in Washington after heavy rains marooned the city since Monday morning. The police have urged drivers to stay off the roads.

A flash flood warning has been extended until 1:45 pm forthe North-Western D.C., Southern Montgomery County, East-Central LoudounCounty, Arlington County, Falls Church and North-Eastern Fairfax County.

However, according to the sources, the White House basementwas not flooded. There are spots on the carpet in a portion of the press areathat got wet which happened from time to time.

Some of the most severe flooding occurred along Canal Roadto the Potomac River.

According to Vito Maggiolo, a spokesman for D.C. Fire,several people were rescued from the rooftops on their cars as they climbedout, trying to avoid the water along Canal Road.

The weather department has predicted that rains will likelyto continue till late afternoon hours. Drier conditions are expected on Tuesdayand Wednesday with the possibility of some thunderstorms on Thursday. Lowhumidity is expected for most of the upcoming week with a dry weekend ahead.