Alexandria, Va. – Thunder rolls across Northern Virginia this afternoon as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch blankets the region until 8 p.m. Thursday, threatening damaging winds, large hail, and isolated power outages across dozens of counties and cities.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch covers Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties, along with independent cities like Alexandria, Fairfax, and Fredericksburg. Residents in these areas should prepare for storms capable of producing wind gusts over 60 mph, heavy downpours, and frequent lightning through the evening commute.
Travelers on I-95, Route 66, and the Beltway may encounter sudden road flooding or fallen branches, especially between 4 and 8 p.m. School and camp organizers in Manassas, Falls Church, and Caroline County are urged to monitor alerts and review shelter plans. Power outages and flash flooding are possible in low-lying neighborhoods from Goochland to Westmoreland.
If you hear thunder, move indoors immediately. Secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep phones charged in case of outages. This is the most widespread summer thunderstorm threat for Northern Virginia so far this July.
Additional warnings or advisories may be issued if storms intensify. Stay tuned for updates as the watch remains in effect until 8 p.m.
