Washington, D.C. – Residents across the Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Northern Virginia region should prepare for a significant severe weather threat Monday, with forecasters warning that damaging winds and a few tornadoes are possible.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of the region under a Level 4 “Moderate Risk”, indicating the potential for widespread severe storms.
Areas including Washington D.C., Alexandria, Waldorf, Fredericksburg, Gaithersburg, Baltimore, and surrounding communities are within the higher-risk zone.
Main Threats
According to the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington office, the primary hazards include:
- Damaging wind gusts up to 65–75 mph
- A few tornadoes, some potentially strong
- Frequent lightning
- Heavy downpours
Strong winds could cause tree damage, scattered power outages, and hazardous travel.
Timing of the Storms
The storms are expected to move west to east across the region Monday afternoon and evening.
- Alleghenies to Blue Ridge: Noon – 4 PM
- East of the Blue Ridge to Chesapeake Bay (including DC/Baltimore): 4 PM – 9 PM
Storms may form into a line capable of producing widespread damaging winds, though isolated rotating storms capable of tornadoes are also possible.
Weather Before the Storms
Clouds will increase Sunday with high temperatures generally in the mid-50s to low-60s across the region.
The atmosphere will become increasingly unstable ahead of the approaching cold front, setting the stage for Monday’s severe weather.
What Residents Should Do
Meteorologists urge residents to:
- Stay weather aware Monday afternoon and evening
- Have multiple ways to receive warnings
- Prepare for possible power outages
- Know your safe shelter location in case a tornado warning is issued
Forecasters say confidence is growing that some storms could produce significant wind damage, making Monday one of the more notable severe weather threats for the Mid-Atlantic this spring.
