Strong Storms, Possible Tornadoes In VA Forecast Monday

VIRGINIA — Thunderstorms are expected to move through the Northern Virginia region Monday, and some of these storms have the chance of becoming severe. Isolated hail and a tornado are possible with a severe storm, National Weather Service forecasters say.

The National Weather Service anticipates that thunderstorms could materialize late Monday afternoon through the evening. Forecasters say several thunderstorms could be severe, with the largest threat being damaging wind gusts. Tornadoes are possible, as is large hail, forecasters said.

A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for areas in and around Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington County, Falls Church, Alexandria, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, King George County, central, northwest and southeast Prince William County, Manassas, Manassas Park, Loudoun County and Fauquier County.

The line of strong thunderstorms initially formed Sunday afternoon, resulting in severe weather in Missouri, Tennessee and Michigan, where large hail and tornadoes were reported, AccuWeather said.

"The same storm to produce the severe weather risk on Sunday will continue to plague residents farther east from Monday to Monday night," according to AccuWeather forecasters.

The entire East Coast, from New England to the Gulf Coast, is at risk of severe weather on Monday, The Weather Channel reported.

"Through the day and into the early evening, some of the ongoing storms will intensify and new ones will form ahead of the cold front while spreading to the East Coast," says The Weather Channel report.

In the case of severe storms, the National Weather Service would issue a severe thunderstorm watch or warning. If conditions allow for a tornado to form, the National Weather Service would issue a tornado watch or warning. A watch means the conditions are possible, while a warning means the conditions are happening now and that residents should take action.

The chance of storms follows a warm, busy weekend in the D.C. region with cherry blossom peak bloom and other outdoor activities. The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang says temperatures could reach 80 degrees before storms between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Storms are likely in the evening, and rain with possible downpours could persist into the early morning hours.

Storms will be a transition of sorts between warmer and colder weather. According to the Capital Weather Gang, Tuesday will have cooler temperatures combined with wind gusts up to 25 mph, with highs barely reaching 60 and lows in the 30s at night. Colder weather could stick around without as much wind Wednesday, while warmer weather could make a comeback on Thursday and Friday.

Here's the local forecast for Northern Virginia from the National Weather Service:

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. At night, showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1 a.m., then scattered showers between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 44. Southwest wind 9 to 17 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent at night.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 60. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Increasing clouds, with a low around 42.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. A slight chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Thursday: Cloudy, with a high near 82. At night, a chance of showers after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent at night.

Friday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. At night, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent.

Saturday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. At night, a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 50 percent at night.