Storms with damaging winds possible in D.C. area late Thursday

“Thunderstorms will continue to increase in coverage and intensity this afternoon and spread across the watch area,” writes the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. “The strongest cells and lines will pose a risk of damaging wind gusts and a tornado or two.”

A severe thunderstorm watch means conditions are favorable for severe storms, but not a guarantee and that you should stay alert. If a severe thunderstorm (or tornado) warning is issued, it means a storm is imminent for your locations and that you should seek shelter immediately.

The Weather Service also increased the region’s storm risk level from “slight” (level 2 out of 5) to “enhanced.”

To our south, developing storms have already resulted in tornado warnings on the west and north side of Richmond. At this point, we have not seen reports of a confirmed tornado or damage.

Note that while our discussion below indicates the most intense storms are probable later this evening when the cold front passes, showers and storms developing ahead of it this afternoon and evening could be severe and produce damaging wind gusts and perhaps a brief tornado. This is especially true east of Interstate 95.

We will post updates if severe weather moves into the area.

Original article from 1:20 p.m.

After an outbreak of severe weather in the South on Wednesday into early Thursday, the cold front responsible for the dangerous storms is charging toward the East Coast. As the front encounters mild, humid air surging northward, strong to severe thunderstorms may erupt in the Washington region, mostly this evening and tonight.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed much of the eastern United States in a slight risk zone for severe thunderstorms. This is Level 2 out of 5 on the severity threat scale.

The main threat with any storms will be damaging winds, although a short-lived tornado or two isn’t out of the question. It’s possible that the showers and storm pass through parts of the area without much fanfare. Although severe storms aren’t a sure thing, it would be wise to remain weather aware through late tonight.

Ahead of any thunderstorms, strong winds from the south — gusting up to 50 mph — have prompted a wind advisory for the region until 8 p.m.

“Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects,” the Weather Service writes. “Isolated tree damage and a few power outages may result.”

• Interstate 81: Between 4 and 8 p.m.
• Germantown/Dulles/Warrenton: 6 to 10 p.m.
• Interstate 95 and Beltway area: 8 p.m. and midnight.
• Southern Maryland to Annapolis: 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Note that brief, gusty showers are possible before the mainline of showers and storms late this evening.

All clear: Midnight west of the Beltway, around 1 a.m. around the Beltway, and 2 a.m. near the Chesapeake Bay.

• High (2-in-3) chance of: Gusty winds (30 to 50 mph), brief downpours.
• Medium (1-in-3)…