Washington, D.C. – A line of potentially damaging thunderstorms is moving into the D.C. metro and Northern Virginia region, with the National Weather Service issuing a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the watch includes Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and Fauquier counties, along with Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas, and the District of Columbia. Storms may produce wind gusts over 60 mph, hail, and localized power outages.
High-impact timing is expected through the late afternoon commute, with heaviest activity between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Motorists should avoid travel during strong downpours and stay alert for falling branches, flooded roads, and possible lightning strikes. I-95, I-66, and the Beltway could see brief closures or slowdowns.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, charge devices, and monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for warnings that may follow. This system may also trigger isolated tornado warnings if storm cells intensify.
The watch remains in effect through 7 p.m., with additional watches or warnings possible into the evening depending on storm development.
