Weather Alert Saturday for District of Columbia

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for the District of Columbia, and the entire metro region, in effect until 9 p.m. Saturday.

Thunderstorms may be capable of producing damaging winds and large hail, according to the National Weather Service, which issued the watch Saturday afternoon. Forecasts indicate the storms are expected to hit between 4 and 9 p.m.

The watch expires at 9 p.m. on Saturday. A small craft advisory is in effect until Sunday.

Parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia are also included in the watch area.

IMAGE: The National Weather Service map was updated at 5:39 p.m.; areas shaded in rose are under a Thunderstorm Watch until 9 p.m.