60 MPH Winds As Parts Of NoVA Under Severe Thunderstorm Warning

WASHINGTON, DC — A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued Sept. 11 for parts of northern Virginia. The storms moving through are capable of producing 60 mph wind gusts and power outages, according to the National Weather Service. The warning lapsed at 5:45 p.m. for some areas, but was extended a half hour for others. Power outages totaling 21,000 customers were also reported in several counties.

The storm may have knocked the NWS website offline, updated forecasts aren't showing on the site. The warning remains in effect until 6:15 p.m. for parts of Stafford, Prince William, and Spotsylvania counties, plus the city of Fredericksburg.

At 5:45 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Triangle to near Aquia Creek to 8 miles west of Fredericksburg, moving east at 20 mph. The main hazards expected are 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

Areas included in the warning are: Arlington, Alexandria, Centreville, Waldorf, Dale City, Reston, Annandale, Clinton, Springfield, Fairfax, Langley Park, Fort Hunt and Vienna.

PowerOutage.us said at 6:15 p.m. that more than 21,000 utility customers were without power. In Loudoun County, 716 outages were reported, plus 1,435 in Fairfax, and the most in Culpeper County with more than 7,000 outages.

During the severe thunderstorm warning period, people in these areas should go to the lowest floor of a building, in an interior room. Remain inside to stay safe from wind and lightning. Do not drive underneath wooded areas until the threat has passed, as trees and branches may fall. Roads may become blocked by downed trees, and objects that have not been secured may go flying.