Hail, Strong Winds Heading For NoVA, DC As Storm Watch Issued

WASHINGTON, DC — A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday for much of northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, according to the National Weather Service. Showers and thunderstorms are expected this evening; damaging winds are possible, as well as large hail.

In addition, showers and thunderstorms are possible Friday afternoon and evening, the weather service reported. Flooding is possible in isolated cases, according to officials.

The weather service said Washington, D.C. plus 27 Virginia communities are in the watch area, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Leesburg, McLean, Reston, Sterling, and Woodbridge.

Storms are likely before 2 a.m., then isolated showers are possible from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., the National Weather Service said. Overnight look for mostly cloudy skies with a low around 71.

Rain chances are 70 percent. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible.

Here's a first look at the weekend forecast:

Friday: A slight chance of showers between 8am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: A chance of showers between 8am and 2pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Light west wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 82.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59.