This afternoon and heading into the night, the Mid-Atlantic region braces for a series of severe weather events. Showers and potential thunderstorms are forecasted, with a significant chance of severe conditions, including large hail and damaging winds. Authorities have issued a Tornado Watch for Calvert and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland and King George County in Virginia until 7 PM today. This alert comes as storms, capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts, are expected to approach from central Virginia between 2-6 PM.
The National Weather Service advises residents to prepare for the possibility of severe thunderstorms this afternoon, which could bring gale-force wind gusts and large hail, especially over the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac River. The severity of these storms could lead to new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch, with the chance of precipitation reaching 80%. Temperatures are anticipated to hover around 68 degrees, accompanied by a south wind around 16 mph, gusting as high as 21 mph.
Tonight, the weather situation remains precarious with showers likely and a potential thunderstorm before 1 AM, followed by a slight chance of showers between 1 AM and 2 AM. Although some storms could still be severe, the sky is expected to clear gradually, with temperatures dropping to a low around 41 degrees. Northwest winds will blow at 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation tonight is 70%, with new precipitation amounts ranging from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, except in thunderstorms where higher amounts are possible.
A Flood Watch also remains in effect through the late afternoon for areas near and north of Highway 50 and Interstate 66, highlighting the potential for flooding in addition to the severe storm risks.
Looking ahead, River Flood Watches are in place through Friday night as the region deals with the aftermath of these storms. The main stem Potomac River may experience flooding as excess water continues to run downstream.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed through local news outlets and the National Weather Service for updates on weather conditions. Precautions should be taken to safeguard life and property, including staying indoors during severe weather and avoiding floodwaters.
