Weather Alert: Tornado Warning Issued For Montgomery, Fairfax, Loudon Counties

(Updated at 1:35 p.m. WASHINGTON, DC — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Montgomery County in Maryland, along with Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William counties in Virginia.

At 1:26 p.m. a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Warrenton, Virginia, moving northeast at 45 mph. For those in the direct path of a tornado touchdown, flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Damage to roofs, siding, and windows may occur. Mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed. Tree damage is likely.

This dangerous storm will be near South Riding around 145 PM EDT; Centreville, Brambleton, Dulles International Airport, Chantilly and Arcola around 150 PM EDT; Broadlands around 155 PM EDT; Reston, Herndon, Lansdowne, Lowes Island, Ashburn, Sterling, Great Falls and Countryside around 200 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Catharpin, Garrett Park, Derwood, Clarksburg, Woolsey, Washington Grove, Belmont, Belleview, Bradley Farms and Kensington.

Patch's Originial Post:

A severe thunderstorm warming means that conditions are favorable for severe storms that can produce hail and damaging winds topping 60 mph. Isolated tornadoes are also possible. The weather service issued the weather alert at 1:11 p.m. Thursday, and it is in effect until 2 p.m.

Severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Warrenton to 6 miles west of Dale City in Virginia, moving northeast at 50 mph. The storm may bring 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. The weather service says 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.

Areas included in the warning are: the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Germantown, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Olney, College Park, Fort Washington, and Greenbelt.

»Photo courtesy of NOAA