National Weather Service Issues Alert for Northern Virginia

MAP: National Weather Service map issued at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday; rose-shaded area is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch

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The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Northern Virginia Wednesday afternoon. The Watch includes the entire metro DC area and lasts until 7 p.m.

The following areas are part of the Watch:

• City of Alexandria
• Arlington County
• Fairfax County
• City of Falls Church
• Loudoun County

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued when severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. It does not mean that they will occur. It only means they are possible.

Severe thunderstorms are defined as follows:

1) Winds of 58 mph or higher

AND/OR

2) Hail 1 inch in diameter or larger.