55 MPH Gusts To Sweep Though DC, NoVA; Wind Advisory Issued

VIRGINIA — National Weather Services issued a wind advisory and a hazardous weather outlook for much of the Washington, D.C. Capital region and Northern Virginia on Wednesday. West winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph are expected to sweep across the region, with rains dousing the area before the winds ramp up.

The advisory will be in effect from 3 p.m. on Wednesday to 4 a.m. on Thursday, for portions of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District, according to the NWS forecast.

Gusting winds may knock down tree limbs and power lines, potentially leading to power outages. The public is advised to use caution when driving, especially when operating a high profile vehicle. Residents should also secure outdoor objects.

A small craft advisory was also in effect until 12 p.m. on Wednesday for parts of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, according to NWS. This would be followed by a gale warning until 4 a.m. on Thursday.

Wednesday will be breezy, with a high temperature of 66 and a low of 31, according to the AccuWeather forecast. Expect showers and a thunderstorm.

Areas under the wind advisory include: the District of Columbia, Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Fauquier, Loudoun, Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington, Warrenton, Purcellville, Leesburg, and Ashburn.

A line of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms will pass through the area between 3 and 8 p.m. with damaging winds possible, the NWS said.

"Our heaviest rain will come during the evening commute as the cold front associated with that storm passes through the area," NBC Washington said. "That burst of heavy rain will be followed by potentially damaging wind gusts of 50 mph or higher this evening. Those winds will bring a dramatic drop in temperatures."

Here's the latest forecast from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then showers likely between 10am and 1pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. High near 70. Breezy, with a south wind 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: A chance of rain showers, possibly mixing with snow after 10pm, then gradually ending. Some thunder is also possible. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 29. Windy, with a northwest wind 21 to 31 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 49. Northwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Friday Night: Rain likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: A chance of rain before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

Sunday: A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 63. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Monday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.