A severe thunderstorm watch is now in effect across Northern Virginia, where storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, flooding and isolated tornadoes.
The watch, which is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday, covers Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, King George, Loudoun, Madison, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Stafford and Warren counties, according to the National Weather Service.
Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Harrisonburg, Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester are included in the watch.
Storms are expected to be most active between 4 and 10 p.m., with the D.C. region most likely to see them between about 5 and 9 p.m. Not every community will get a storm, forecasters said.
Damaging winds are the primary threat, with gusts around 60 mph possible. The strongest storms could also produce hail about 1 inch in diameter, heavy rain and an isolated tornado. Flash flooding is possible in urban areas, low-lying locations and places with poor drainage.
The region is at a Level 2 of 5 risk for severe weather, meaning scattered strong-to-severe storms are possible. A watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, and residents should be ready to seek shelter if a warning is issued.
Additional thunderstorms are possible Friday, particularly south of Interstate 66 and U.S. 50. Damaging winds and locally heavy rain will remain the main concerns, according to forecasters. A dry but warm and muggy weekend is expected before hotter weather arrives next week.
Thursday Afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5pm. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 89. South wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and midnight. Some of the storms could be severe. Patchy fog between 4am and 5am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Friday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. North wind 3 to 5 mph.
Saturday Night: Patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 68.
Sunday: Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 90.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 92.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Old Town Alexandria Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.