Strong Storms Possible, 40 MPH Winds To Slam NoVA: Latest Forecast

VIRGINIA — A strong storm system moving east across the country will arrive in Northern Virginia on Wednesday, bringing with it 40 mph winds, showers, isolated severe thunderstorms and possibly a tornado, according to the latest forecast.

Northern Virginia can expect a quiet and mild Tuesday before a strong frontal system moves into the region later tonight, the National Weather Service said in its latest forecast discussion.

According to forecasters, dry conditions should continue for most of Tuesday night into Wednesday morning with showers entering areas west of the Blue Ridge before daybreak. Periodic lines of showers and thunderstorms are expected to reach the Baltimore area by late morning to early afternoon.

"Some afternoon storms could be strong to severe with downpours and a few damaging wind gusts," the Capital Weather Gang said in its Tuesday forecast. "It’s a windy day regardless, with gusts from the southeast around 30 to 40 mph."

A second round of showers will move in during the late afternoon to evening hours Wednesday, accompanied by a chance of thunderstorms. According to NWS forecasters, the storms could also bring hail and possible tornadoes.

The Virginia Department of Transportation warned drivers on X, formerly Twitter that "numerous weather hazards are possible across NOVA on Wednesday. Please be sure to monitor the forecast and follow @NWS_BaltWash for the latest alerts."

Residents should report downed trees, wires, or other road hazards to http://my.vdot.virginia.gov or 800-FOR-ROAD.

Gale warnings will be in effect for all the waters on Wednesday.

Forecasters also warned Virginians of elevated fire conditions on Tuesday due to low humidity and gusty winds.

"Relative humidity values will drop to 20 to 30 percent, with south to southeast winds of 10 to 15 mph, gusting to 20 to 25 mph," NWS forecasters said. "Please refer to your local burn permitting authorities on whether you may burn outdoors today. If you do burn, use extreme caution since fires can increasingly escalate under these conditions."

Here's a look at the detailed NWS forecast for Northern Virginia:

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. South wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 51. South wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1pm. High near 64. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. South wind 7 to 16 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Windy, with a northwest wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 46 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Breezy.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55.