A powerful storm is currently rolling through the D.C. region, bringing with it the potential for tornadoes and destructive weather. Meteorologists are warning residents to prepare for impactful weather, including very strong winds.
A Flash Flood Warning is currently in effect in Southwestern Baltimore County and Baltimore City until 9:15 p.m. The area has already seen between one-and-a-half and two inches of rain, with another inch expected to fall. In addition, a Tornado Watch is in effect for the D.C. area until 9 p.m. Monday. This includes portions of the District, Maryland, Southern and Central Pennsylvania, Virginia, Eastern West Virginia, and Coastal Waters. The National Weather Service predicts that a few tornadoes are likely, with the possibility of intense tornadoes. Widespread damaging winds of up to 80 mph, localized flooding, and hail large enough to damage windshields are also expected.
The storms began moving from west to east, reaching western Virginia around 3 p.m. and the greater Baltimore and D.C. areas around 5 p.m. Storm warnings are still in effect until 9 p.m. WTOP meteorologist Mike Stinneford describes this threat level as “unusual for our area” and advises residents to be prepared for significant, severe weather.
The last time the D.C. area experienced this level of severe weather was more than a decade ago in June 2013. The National Weather Service advises residents to avoid the outdoors once the storms arrive and seek shelter when thunder is heard. They recommend going to the lowest floor of a building to an interior room and staying away from windows. Those in mobile homes or weaker structures should plan ahead to seek shelter in a stronger location. The weather service also warns of possible extended power outages and blocked roads from fallen trees.
Several closures and cancellations have been announced due to the storm. Metro is holding trains at some stations and delaying bus service on some routes. Federal offices in D.C. closed at 3 p.m., and federal agency employees were authorized to depart work early. All D.C. Public Libraries, Smithsonian Museums, and the National Zoo also closed at 3 p.m. The University of Maryland College Park and Howard University closed early as well. Montgomery County Park Police announced the closure of Sligo Creek Parkway and Beach Drive due to the risk of flooding and downed trees. More than 350 flights have been canceled at all three major airports, and Southwest Airlines has canceled all flights between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
As of 6:15 p.m., more than 100,000 homes and businesses in Maryland and Virginia are without power. Dominion Energy is reporting nearly 40,000 outages, and Loudoun County in Virginia has nearly 23,000 outages.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the storm through WTOP’s online and radio coverage. They should also charge their electronics and make plans to report outages to their utility company. The National Weather Service warns of a moderate risk for severe storms in the D.C. area later on Monday.
Stay safe and stay informed as this powerful storm continues to impact the region.A powerful storm is currently sweeping through the D.C. region, bringing with it the potential for tornadoes and destructive winds. Meteorologists are warning residents to prepare for impactful weather and take necessary precautions.
A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Southwestern Baltimore County and Baltimore City until 9:15 p.m. The area has already experienced between one-and-a-half and two inches of rain, with another inch expected to fall. Residents in these areas should be prepared for potential flooding.
A Tornado Watch is also in effect for the D.C. area until 9 p.m. Monday. This includes portions of the District, Maryland, Southern and Central Pennsylvania, Virginia, Eastern West Virginia, and Coastal Waters. The National Weather Service predicts that a few tornadoes are likely, with the possibility of intense tornadoes. Damaging winds of up to 80 mph, localized flooding, and large hail are also expected.
The storms began moving from west to east, reaching western Virginia around 3 p.m. and the greater Baltimore and D.C. areas around 5 p.m. Storm warnings will remain in effect until 9 p.m.
Meteorologists are describing this storm as an unusual threat for the area, with a threat level of four out of five. Residents should be prepared for significant and severe weather.
The last time the D.C. area experienced a threat level like this was over a decade ago in June 2013. The severity of this storm highlights the importance of being prepared and taking necessary precautions.
The National Weather Service advises residents to avoid going outdoors once the storms arrive and seek shelter when thunder is heard. It is recommended to go to the lowest floor of a building, preferably an interior room, and stay away from windows. Those in mobile homes or weaker structures should plan ahead and seek shelter in a stronger building.
Extended power outages and blocked roads from fallen trees are also possible. Residents should charge their electronics and make plans to report any outages to their utility company.
Several closures and delays have been announced due to the storm. Metro is holding trains at some stations and delaying bus service on certain routes. Federal offices in D.C. closed at 3 p.m., and federal agency employees were authorized to depart work early. The D.C. Public Libraries, Smithsonian Museums, and the National Zoo also closed at 3 p.m. Some universities, including the University of Maryland College Park and Howard University, closed early as well. Traffic delays are expected throughout the D.C. area.
More than 350 flights have been canceled at all three major airports, and Southwest Airlines has canceled all flights between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Federal Aviation Administration is rerouting flights around the storms on the East Coast. Over 6,000 flights have been delayed in the U.S. due to the storm.
As of 6:15 p.m., over 100,000 homes and businesses in Maryland and Virginia are without power. Dominion Energy is reporting nearly 40,000 outages, with Loudoun County in Virginia experiencing nearly 23,000 outages.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the storm through sources like WTOP, which provides online and radio coverage. It is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this severe weather event.
How can residents stay updated on important storm updates and report outages to their utility company
Precautions. The National Weather Service advises residents to avoid going outdoors once the storms arrive and to seek shelter when thunder is heard. They recommend finding the lowest floor of a building and staying in an interior room away from windows. Those in mobile homes or weaker structures should plan ahead to seek shelter in a stronger location.
The storm has already caused several closures and cancellations. Metro is holding trains at some stations and delaying bus service on certain routes. Federal offices in D.C. closed early, and D.C. Public Libraries, Smithsonian Museums, and the National Zoo shut down at 3 p.m. Some universities, including the University of Maryland College Park and Howard University, closed early as well. Montgomery County Park Police announced the closure of Sligo Creek Parkway and Beach Drive due to the risk of flooding and fallen trees. Additionally, over 350 flights have been canceled at the major airports, and Southwest Airlines has canceled all flights between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
As of 6:15 p.m., more than 100,000 homes and businesses in Maryland and Virginia are without power. Dominion Energy reports around 40,000 outages, while Loudoun County in Virginia has nearly 23,000 outages.
Residents are urged to stay updated on the storm through WTOP’s online and radio coverage. They should also charge their electronics and make arrangements to report outages to their utility company. The National Weather Service warns of a moderate risk for severe storms in the D.C. area later on Monday.
It is crucial to prioritize safety and stay informed as this powerful storm continues to impact the region.
