50MPH Winds As Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For NoVA, DC

WASHINGTON, DC — With severe thunderstorms moving through parts of Maryland, the National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch Sunday evening, May 26, into early Monday for northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. A severe thunderstorm watch means thunderstorms may develop that could produce large hail or damaging winds.

The storm is capable of 50 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure anyone outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.

When a severe thunderstorm watch is issued, people can 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 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.

The severe thunderstorm watch is effective from 8:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Monday, May 27, for these communities:

District of Columbia, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Loudon, Prince William, Chantilly, Herndon, Leesburg, McLean, Reston, Sterling, Warrenton and Woodbridge.

Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between midnight and 2 a.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. are possible, the weather service says. Some storms could be severe, with large hail and damaging winds. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. Rainfall between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

On Memorial Day the forecast calls for a 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82.