Update at 2:40 p.m. — A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has now been issued.
The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning…
* Until 315 PM EST
* At 234 PM EST, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles west of Dumfries, or 8 miles southwest of Dale City, moving northeast at 50 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.
* Locations impacted include… Arlington, Alexandria, Waldorf, Dale City, Clinton, Springfield, Fort Washington, Fort Hunt, Groveton, Forestville, Huntington, Coral Hills, Fort Belvoir, Woodbridge, National Harbor, Quantico, Nationals Park, Reagan National Airport, Crystal City and RFK Stadium.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Get indoors to protect yourself from wind and lightning. Trees around you may be downed from damaging winds, so if you are near large trees, move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Don`t drive underneath trees or in wooded areas until the threat has passed.
Earlier: Arlington County is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8 p.m. Saturday night.
Strong storms, heavy rain and gusty winds are possible this afternoon, forecasters say. From the National Weather Service:
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. High near 71. Southwest wind 14 to 16 mph becoming northwest. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
From the Capital Weather Gang:
Here's a snapshot! Three active warnings. This strong line of storms is moving east into the metro. ETA near east suburbs 30-60 mins. pic.twitter.com/fkbzjS12MR
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) February 25, 2017