Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued For DC, Parts Of Maryland

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the District of Columbia, along with portions of Anne Arundel, St. Marys, Calvert, Prince George's counties in Maryland. The warning lasts until 5:45 p.m. ET.

At 5:04 p.m. severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 6 miles west of Port Tobacco River to near Leonardtown, moving northeast at 35 mph. The weather service says that 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail are possible with the storm.

Locations in the warning area are: Waldorf, Clinton, Fort Washington, Forestville, Largo, La Plata, Chesapeake Beach, Deale, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, Upper Marlboro, Greenwell State Park, and Andrews Air Force Base.

Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

To be safe, get indoors to protect yourself from wind and lightning. Trees around you may be downed from damaging winds, so if you are near large trees, move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Don't drive underneath trees or in wooded areas until the threat has passed.

Also a coastal flood warning is in effect from midnight Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday on the Bay side of the lower Maryland Eastern Shore.

»Photo from NOAA archives