National Weather Service Issues Alert for DC Metro Area

MAP: National Weather Service map issued at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday; rose-shaded area is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch

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The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Washington D.C. and the surrounding metro area Wednesday afternoon. The Watch includes the entire metro DC area and lasts until 7 p.m.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.

Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:

1) Winds of 58 mph or higher

AND/OR

2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.