Northern Virginia Weather Alert: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For Region

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Washington, D.C., and portions of Northern Virginia, which means that conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms that can produce hail and damaging winds. Isolated tornadoes are also possible. The weather service issued the weather alert at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, and it is in effect until 5 p.m.

Areas included in the severe thunderstorm watch are the District of Columbia, and the cities/communities of Arlington, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Alexandria, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, Herndon, Leesburg, Mclean, Prince Frederick, Randallstown, Reston, Sterling, Warrenton and Woodbridge. Counties included are Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford.

A gale warning is in effect for the tidal Potomac River region in DC and Virginia.

When a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued, you should go about your normal activities, but keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local radio and television stations for further updates and possible warnings.

The forecast:

Thursday afternoon: Periods of showers and thunderstorms before 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 4pm. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds. High near 66. Breezy, with a southwest wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday night: A chance of showers before 8pm. Increasing clouds, with a low around 45. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 38. Northwest wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 68.

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