Southern Maryland spent Thursday evening on edge as tornado warnings lit up phones across Charles County and St. Mary’s County while fast-moving thunderstorms tore across the D.C. region. Emergency alerts urged residents to head for interior rooms or basements and to stay off the roads when possible. At the same time, parts of Northern Virginia were hit with flash-flood watches and warnings as heavy rain pushed inland.
FOX 5 DC aired video Thursday evening showing active tornado warnings in Charles and St. Mary’s, and flagged a flash flood warning affecting Prince William, Fauquier and Stafford counties, according to the station. Its live coverage tracked severe thunderstorm warnings and watches across the DMV, with broadcasters repeatedly telling viewers to follow local emergency instructions as radar showed storms popping up and intensifying quickly.
What The National Weather Service Reported
The National Weather Service’s Baltimore/Washington office showed a patchwork of active watches and warnings on its hazards map, which was updated at 6:44 p.m. EDT as storms moved through the region, according to the office’s website. National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington urged people in warned counties to get to shelter immediately. Forecasters also pushed out local storm statements as reports of strong wind and heavy rain rolled in.
Flooding Risk In Northern Virginia
Regional coverage also highlighted flash-flood warnings and flood watches in parts of Northern Virginia, including Prince William, Fauquier and Stafford counties, where heavy downpours were capable of triggering rapid roadway flooding, according to WTOP. Officials warned that standing water on roads can turn life-threatening and that conditions may shift fast.
How To Stay Safe
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, head to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor and stay away from windows, the American Red Cross advises. The American Red Cross also recommends covering your head and remaining in place until the warning expires. For flooding, public-health guidance stresses avoiding driving through flood waters and moving to higher ground, since flash floods can form with little warning. The CDC notes that even shallow but fast-moving water can sweep vehicles off the road.
A Reminder: Tornadoes Have Hit Here Before
Tornadoes are not everyday events in southern Maryland, but they are not unheard of either. NWS storm reports document confirmed tornado damage in St. Mary’s and Charles counties in recent years, including a July 1, 2025 EF-1 that surveyors tracked near Leonardtown. NWS storm data lists tree damage and minor roof damage from that storm and underscores why forecasters take radar signatures that show rotation very seriously.
This story will be updated as warnings shift. For live status, check FOX 5’s on-air and streaming coverage and keep an eye on local emergency alerts. FOX 5 DC is continuing to refresh its live feed with the latest watches and warnings for the DMV tonight.
