Tornado Watch Declared for Loudoun County

A tornado watch is in effect until 8 p.m. for Loudoun County, according to the National Weather Service.

The tornado watch covers the northern portion of Virginia, including Winchester and the neighboring counties of Fauquier, Clarke and Frederick, the weather service says.

This afternoon, the NWS is forecasting a 50 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms in Leesburg. Partly sunny, with a high near 85, and a south wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight’s forecast says there’s an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. Some storms could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. Low around 69.

New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible, the NWS says.