Virginia, DC Weather: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued

(Updated at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday): GEORGETOWN, D.C. — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Washington, D.C. and parts of Virginia Tuesday night. The flash flood watch issued Tuesday afternoon remains in effect as well.

The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 11 p.m. for the following Virginia counties: Arlington, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudon, Prince William and Rappahannock. The independent cities included are: D.C., Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park.

A severe thunderstorm is defined as producing hail the size of a quarter or larger and damaging wind gusts of at least 58 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

When a watch is issued, people are advised to go about their normal activities, keeping an eye to the sky and an ear to the National Weather Service’s weather radio or local media for updates and possible warnings.

A flash flood watch is in effect until 1 a.m. Wednesday for Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. A flash flood watch means heavy rain over a short period of time could lead to a rapid rise in water level that may inundate roads and cause streams to overflow.

The watch began at 3 p.m. Tuesday and is issued for: D.C., Reston, Herndon, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, McLean, Franconia, Arlington and Alexandria.

The front will sag across the region, bringing a couple rounds of thunderstorms moving across the Mason-Dixon region late afternoon.

Forecasters predict about 1 to 3 inches of rain, which weather officials say could cause flooding.

"Heavy rainfall and lightning will be the main threats with the potential of encountering damaging winds and hail in the strongest thunderstorms," The National Weather Service said.

Here are some tips for driving in heavy rain:

• Increase distance between vehicles. More space is needed for stopping in the rain.
• Decrease speed.
• Avoid standing water when you are not sure of the depth. Turn around; don't drown.
• Turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen.

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