Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued For NoVA, D.C.

Much of Northern Virginia and D.C. are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The watch means that there is the potential for severe thunderstorms.

Scattered wind gusts of up to 70 mph are possible, according to the National Weather Service, which issued the watch. Marble-sized hail and frequent lightning may also pose threats.

The following counties are under the watch until 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26:

• Arlington
• Culpeper
• District of Columbia
• Fairfax
• Fauquier
• Greene
• King George
• Loudoun
• Madison
• Orange
• Prince William
• Rappahannock
• Spotsylvania
• Stafford

The watch also includes the following independent cities:

• Alexandria
• Fairfax
• Falls Church
• Fredericksburg
• Manassas
• Manassas Park

Areas around the region — Delaware, Maryland New Jersey and Pennsylvania — are under the watch along with Virginia and D.C. until 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, weather officials said.

A severe thunderstorm watch means that a severe thunderstorm may be approaching. According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm is defined as a storm producing winds of at least 58 mph and/or hail that is 1 inch or larger in diameter.

See a map of the weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

Includes reporting by Patch editor Elizabeth Janney

Image via National Weather Service