(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia has declared a public emergency as a result of the forecasted impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The latest predictions for the District include 4–8 inches of rainfall with wind gusts up to 35 miles per hour. Flash flood and coastal flooding watches also have been issued by the National Weather Service, effective from 2 pm on Thursday, August 31, 2006, through 8 pm, Friday, September 1, 2006.