Washington, DC – A potentially significant severe weather event could impact Washington, DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia on Monday, with forecasters warning of damaging winds and a possible tornado threat.
The National Weather Service says the region is under an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe storms on Monday, March 16, as a powerful cold front moves across the Mid-Atlantic.
Storms may develop in multiple rounds during the afternoon and evening, especially from the Shenandoah Valley eastward through Washington DC, Baltimore, and the Chesapeake Bay region.
The primary threat will be damaging wind gusts capable of producing significant damage, potentially 75 mph or stronger in the most intense storms. Forecasters also say a few tornadoes are possible, along with heavy rain and frequent lightning.
Areas included in the enhanced risk zone include Washington DC, Alexandria, Fredericksburg, Culpeper, Charlottesville, and surrounding communities, while areas farther west such as Winchester and Petersburg are under a Slight Risk (Level 2).
An Enhanced Risk means more widespread and persistent severe storms are likely, and some storms could become particularly strong.
Weather officials advise residents to monitor forecasts closely, review severe weather safety plans, and make sure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts ahead of Monday’s storms.
