UPDATE: Virginia Weather: Wind Advisory Extended Monday

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The National Weather Service has extended Monday's Wind Advisory from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. — calling for scattered power outages, downed tree limbs and fallen power lines — for much of Northern Virginia and the DC metro area. A wind advisory means that 45 to 55 mph winds are possible and can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, according to the weather service.

The wind advisory is in effect now until 7 p.m. Monday for a larger area in Northern Virginia as well, including Loudoun County (including Leesburg and Ashburn), Fairfax County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, Manassas, Manassas Park, Dale City, Lake Ridge and Woodbridge.

The winds began to pick up Sunday night, along with rain, and are expected to continue through Monday late afternoon/early evening, the Wind Advisory says. Expect winds to reach 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, according to the weather service.

Dominion is reporting thousands of power outages across the region.

A gale warning is also in effect on the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River from 1 a.m. Monday through the day. Under a gale warning, winds are 34 to 47 knots, and recreational boaters should seek safe harbor.

Waterways included in the warning include the Patapsco River, Baltimore Harbor, Chester River, Choptank River, Patuxent River and the inland waters surrounding the District of Columbia, southern Baltimore, Prince George's, Anne Arundel and southeast Harford counties.

On Monday, rain is expected, with a high near 50 degrees, according to the NWS. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible. Monday night, showers are also likely, with lows dipping into the low 40s. Chance of precipitation Monday night is 60 percent. New precipitation amounts between a 10th and quarter of an inch possible.

The area in brown on the NWS map is under Wind Advisory beginning Monday at 5 a.m. and now through 7 p.m.; waterways in purple are under a gale warning starting Monday at 1 a.m. through 6 p.m. (NWS map from 1:25 p.m. Monday)

Patch file photo