Gusts Of 60 MPH Possible In Northern VA Overnight From Thunderstorm

VIRGNIA — The same system of strong thunderstorms that spawned tornadoes and killed 10 people Friday in the Midwest and South could bring damaging winds and a severe weather threat to Northern Virginia on Saturday, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.

The NWS on Saturday said a strong cold front Saturday evening will produce showers and thunderstorms, according to forecasters.

While temperatures warm back up next week, more active weather looms, the NWS said.

A high wind warning is in effect for most of the state until midnight, the National Weather Service said.

Southwest winds of 20 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph, are expected during the day, but will ramp up to gusts of 60 mph Saturday.

Areas under the high wind warning include: the District of Columbia, Rappahannock, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Manassas, Manassas Park, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Falls Church, Falmouth, Warrenton, Turnbull, Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Haymarket, Dale City, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, and Montclair.

Related: 11 Dead In Midwest, South Tornado Outbreak; More Storms To Come

"Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines," the weather service said. "Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

Here’s a look at the extended forecast for DC and Northern Virginia:

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Breezy, with a southwest wind 21 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Windy, with a west wind 28 to 33 mph decreasing to 21 to 26 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 60 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Breezy, with a northwest wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.