(Updated at 3:10 p.m.) It’s overcast and muggy right now, but it could be stormy later today in Arlington.
A strong storm toppled trees and knocked out power to more than 2,000 homes and businesses last night in parts of Arlington — primarily around the East Falls Church area — and another round of severe weather is possible later this afternoon and evening.
Forecasters are uncertain about the extent to which the storms, which are expected to be most widespread north of the metro area, will extend south into Arlington, D.C. and elsewhere.
“Scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts, large hail and isolated tornadoes are possible late this afternoon and this evening,” the National Weather Service said this afternoon. “Additionally, isolated occurrences of flash flooding are also possible.”
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was just issued for Arlington and surrounding areas, warning of the possibility of frequent lightning, ping-pong-sized hail, and damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph. A Tornado Watch has also been issued for areas to the north and east.
More from NWS:
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of DC, MD, VA, WV until 9 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/iP9cZnbtG7
— NWS Severe Tstorm (@NWSSevereTstorm) July 29, 2021
Lots of potential in the atmosphere for storm damage this [Thu] P.M. – more than usual. Greatest uncertainty for now is how numerous/or few the storms will be across the area. If storms threaten, especially if a NWS warning is issued for your location, seek shelter. pic.twitter.com/ucsIf1E1Dn
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 29, 2021
12:22pm CDT #SPC_MD 1388 , #pawx #mdwx #vawx #wvwx, https://t.co/mVDCkFZNH1 pic.twitter.com/XGu0VAgDNc
— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) July 29, 2021
A Tornado Watch is in effect for central and NE MD until 9 PM tonight. We are monitoring the need for additional watches for areas elsewhere. Remain alert and seek shelter in the event a NWS warning is issued for your area. pic.twitter.com/Db97iwDIaR
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) July 29, 2021