Severe Thunderstorm Watch for DC region as storms rumble through
Much of the D.C. region is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch as thunderstorms are expected to pop up in parts of the area Friday evening.
The watch includes D.C., Prince George’s and Charles County in Maryland and most of Northern Virginia and lasts through 9 p.m. Friday.
A watch means severe strong storms are possible and people should be prepared to act if a warning is issued.
Intense storms in Loudoun County, Virginia, about 4 p.m. and points further southwest led the National Weather Service to issue a Severe Thunderstorm Warning, saying the storm could bring winds up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect until 5:15 p.m. for parts of Stafford, Fauquier and Spotsylvania counties in Virginia with reports of ping-pong-ball-sized hail.
The storms Friday have the potential to bring gusty winds, hail and moderate-to-heavy rain, according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin.
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Some rainshowers already passed through the area around noon, but cleared out and there were even peeks of sunshine Friday afternoon. Still, another line of storms is heading in from the West and Rudin said the atmosphere is primed, “especially the farther south and east you go from the District as your center point.”
Any storms are expected to taper off by about 7 p.m.
Forecast
Friday evening: Showers and storms, some strong to severe, ending after 7 p.m.
Highs: Around 80
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
Friday night: Mainly clear
Lows: 55-65
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
Saturday: Mostly sunny
High: 80-85
Winds: Northwest 10-20 mph
Sunday: Mostly sunny
Highs: 85-90
Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph