Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued For DC, Northern Virginia

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning, as well as a flash flood watch, for Washington, DC, metropolitan area and much of Northern Virginia on Monday, June 19. The area is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m.; the warning expires at 4 p.m. It calls for damaging wind gusts, isolated tornadoes and large hail.

The warning area includes The District, southeastern Loudoun County, the City of Fairfax, Arlington County, the city of Falls Church, Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria. At 3:18 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Fairfax, moving northeast at 40 mph.

The weather services says the storm is producing 60 mph wind gusts. 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.

A cold front moving through the region Monday afternoon and evening may be accompanied by "intense rainfall rates in a short period of time," according to the National Weather Service. Weather officials say 1 to 2 inches of rain may fall, with 3 to 4 inches possible in some places.

The flood watch, which means conditions may develop leading to flash flooding, is in effect from 3 to 9 p.m. on Monday, June 19. Heavy rainfall may slow the evening commute, authorities said. SIGN UP: Subscribe to a Virginia Patch News Alert and Newsletter. For DC readers, Get Patch’s daily newsletter and news alerts. Or like us on Facebook. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

The watch area includes the cities of Washington, Dale City, Manassas, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Montclair, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Ashburn, and Sterling.

The flash flood watch includes the following areas in northern Virginia: Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Eastern Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park.

Creeks, streams and roads may experience flash flooding Monday afternoon and evening, authorities say, with areas that are urban and have poor drainage particularly prone.

The Virginia Department of Transportation State Highway Administration asked drivers to be careful on the evening commute home. Expect longer commute times, low visibility, wind gusts, ponding of water on some roads and watch for downed trees/wires.

Here are some things to remember for severe weather events:

• Use low-beam headlights when windshield wipers are being used
• Delay trips during severe weather
• Avoid driving through standing water – “don’t drown, go around”
• Be aware that high winds may cause downed trees and power lines
• Remember to buckle up

File photo.