Severe Storms, 65 MPH Winds, Tornadoes Possible In VA: See Timeline

Northern Virginia could face severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and flash flooding Sunday as a storm system moves across the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Showers could begin as early as Sunday morning before the threat of stronger thunderstorms increases during the afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service said some storms could produce damaging wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph, while atmospheric conditions could also support a few tornadoes.

Heavy rain will be another concern. Forecasters said storms could repeatedly move over the same areas, increasing the potential for flash flooding, particularly in places that have recently received heavy rain and in urban or poor-drainage areas.

Western Maryland could see a flooding threat as early as the predawn hours Sunday, with the risk shifting east of the Blue Ridge later in the day.

Storms could linger into Monday in central Virginia depending on how quickly the front moves through, forecasters said.

Some showers and thunderstorms could linger Monday, although forecasters expect a lower risk of severe weather and flooding. Drier air should arrive behind the front by Tuesday, bringing lower humidity and a break from rain through the middle of the week.

Detailed Northern Virginia Forecast

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Light south wind.

Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. High near 83. South wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Sunday Night: Showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then a slight chance of showers between 2am and 3am. Low around 71. South wind 5 to 7 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Heat index values as high as 100. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Northwest wind around 6 mph.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 85.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 88.

Wednesday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, then a chance of showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 30%.