Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For NoVA, DC Region

WASHINGTON, DC — A chance of severe thunderstorms is affecting the region Friday as chances of storms continue into the early weekend.

The National Weather Service is tracking a severe storm near Purcellville or Leesburg moving east at 40 mph. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect in central Loudoun County and eastern Clarke County until 5:15 p.m. The main hazards in the warning area are 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail, and damaging winds may bring down trees or branches. Localized power outages are possible.

Other parts of Virginia, Maryland and DC are under a severe thunderstorm watch through 7 p.m. Friday. Forecasters say isolated cases of flooding are possible. The chance of severe wind in the watch area is 30 percent, while the chance of severe hail is 10 percent and tornado risk is less than 5 percent.

Areas under the watch in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas are Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, King George, Loudoun County and Fauquier County.

Storms are also possible in the early weekend. The National Weather Service expects scattered severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and afternoon. The main concern with the severe storms is locally damaging wind gusts, but isolated flash flooding is possible.

SEE ALSO: Storms May Start July 4 Weekend: NoVA, DC Weather Forecast