Weather
Tornado Warning, Flash Flood Warning In Virginia Severe Storm Forecast
Some areas are under a flash flood warning amid severe storms that could cause damaging winds, flooding and the chance of a tornado.
Updated at 4:25 p.m. ET
VIRGINIA — An updated weather forecast has added a tornado warning and flash flood warning to the challenges Northern Virginia commuters might face in their Monday afternoon and evening drive home. Several rounds of storms are possible with heavy rain, flash flooding, hail and strong winds, according to the National Weather Service.
A tornado warning was issued until 4:45 p.m. in south central Arlington County, east central Fairfax County and City of Alexandria. According to forecasters, a severe thunderstorm capable of creating a tornado was located over Franconia or Springfield moving northeast at 25 mph. Residents in the warning area are cautioned about dangerous flying debris and damage to roofs, siding, windows, and trees.
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"Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows," the National Weather Service said to residents in the warning area. "If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."
Areas under a flash flood warning until 8 p.m. Monday are central District of Columbia, Arlington County, east central Fairfax County, City of Alexandria and City of Falls Church. The National Weather Service says the doppler radar detected thunderstorms producing heavy rain, which will cause flash flooding in the warning area. Another 1 to 3 inches of rain are possible.
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In areas under the flood watch, flash flooding from heavy rain with up to two inches per hour are possible. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch until 2 a.m. Tuesday for part of the region, including the District of Columbia, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, eastern Loudoun County and Fairfax County. A flood watch means excessive runoff can cause flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone areas.
A hazardous weather outlook applies to the whole region, including the District of Columbia, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, King George County, northwest, central and southeast Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park and Loudoun County.
The chance for rain or storms ramps up at around 3 p.m. and continues overnight, said 7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan.
“We could see some pockets of heavy rain also thunder lightening, damaging winds and hail,” Whelan told WTOP.
Hot and humid air paired with an approaching warm front will result in thunderstorms later today. Some storms may become severe, with damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado all possible threats. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/tknwhJUh7o
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) August 14, 2023
Follow the National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington office for future weather alerts as they happen.
Here's the DC forecast for the days ahead.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent. At night, showers are likely with a possible thunderstorm before 3 a.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 3 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74 and a 70 percent chance of precipitation.
Tuesday: A chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 91 and a 40 percent chance of precipitation. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m, then a slight chance of showers between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67 and 40 percent chance of precipitation.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 68.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 89. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 72.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 89. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 66.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 88. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 68.
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