Parts of the Washington, D.C., region are under a severe thunderstorm watch through 10 p.m. Thursday, with steamy, mid-summer air helping set the stage for fast-building storms. Any cells that bubble up could fire off sudden, damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and pockets of small hail. Forecasters say a cluster of storms sliding east from the Ohio Valley is the main concern for the I-95 corridor tonight.
According to 7News (WJLA), the National Weather Service issued the watch as heat index values topped 100 degrees in many Mid-Atlantic spots. The 7News (WJLA) First Alert team highlights damaging winds of 60 to 70 mph as the primary threat, strong enough to knock down trees and power lines, with isolated quarter-size hail and frequent lightning also in the mix. The station is urging anyone inside the watch area to stay weather aware through the evening.
Timing and where storms may strengthen
The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington warnings feed shows watches and warnings shifting across portions of Maryland and Virginia, and forecasters say storms could arrive in the D.C. area later this evening. WeatherBug's outlook notes a front bumping into an extremely unstable and hot air mass, a setup that can let storm clusters organize into a damaging squall line as they march east along I-95. The greatest risk window runs through the evening commute and into the first half of the night, when outdoor plans and travel are most exposed.
How to prepare
If you are inside the watch area, bring pets and loose outdoor furniture indoors, top off the charge on phones and portable devices, and be ready to head inside at the first rumble of thunder. According to 7News (WJLA), people should avoid sheltering under trees and secure any loose items that could turn into projectiles in 60 to 70 mph gusts. Expect possible short-term power outages and downed branches that could interfere with evening events or travel.
For the latest watches and any county-level warnings, check the NWS Baltimore/Washington page and follow trusted local broadcasters for updates. Keep wireless alerts enabled on your phone and move indoors immediately if a warning is issued for your location.
