Update: Damaging Storms Headed to Northern Virginia Thursday

Update (1:50 p.m. Thursday): In parts of Northern Virginia, blue skies are breaking through the clouds and it’s looking like a nice early summer day—just a bit warm, humid and windy.

Don’t get complacent yet.

The region remains under a severe thunderstorm watch until 7 p.m. and a flash flood watch until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

“The bottom line is that the storm system coming through remains very dynamic and, given some fuel (sunshine and rising temperatures are key), has the potential to ignite some strong to severe thunderstorms.” The Capital Weather Gang’s Jason Samenow wrote Thursday.

This afternoon’s storms could bring an additional inch or two of rain with it, the National Weather Service warns.

NBC 4’s Chuck Bell wrote, “Our risk for severe weather will only increase with time during the late afternoon hours.  Severe thunderstorms could reach the Capital Beltway at the beginning of the afternoon commute around 4 p.m. and continue up to around 8 p.m.”

As of about 1:45 p.m. Thursday, radar images showed a line of strong storms just west of Harrisonburg and Staunton, Va. 

Original article (8 a.m. Thursday): A large line of storms that has spawned tornadoes and knocked out power in the Midwest is headed to Northern Virginia—but forecasters are still unsure if our area will see a derecho like last June. 

Regardless of the type of storm, the DC area is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch by the National Weather Service until 11 a.m. for the first round. The area is under a Flash Flood Watch until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. 

The massive storm systems will sweep through the DC area in a one-two punch: one Thursday morning and another, more severe storm in the late afternoon and early evening.

The National Weather Service issued this warning Thursday morning for our region:

THE NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER IN NORMAN OK IS FORECASTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AND A FEW TORNADOES OVER PARTS OF THE MID ATLANTIC STATES TODAY.

Preparing for the stormy weather, federal offices are open Thursday, but the Office of Personnel Management is giving federal workers the option to take unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework.

The pending weather could impact transportation:

• Metro
• Airlines could delay flights. Check FlightStats here for any delays or cancellations.
• Amtrak will list any service disruptions here.
• Check Virginia roadways here.
• Stay with Patch for additional information about any road closures and power outages throughout the day. 

What time will Northern Virginia see storms Thursday?

NBC-4 meteorologist Tom Kierein said Thursday morning there is a 90 percent chance the area will get hit by thunderstorms between 8:30-10 a.m. Thursday, and a 100 percent chance of getting hit by a stronger storm between 4-8 p.m. Northern Virginia could see some sunshine between storms, he noted.

The DC area has a "high risk" of damaging winds Thursday afternoon, winds up to 60 miles per hour, flooding and isolated tornados, according to Storm Team 4. 

Power outages

Winds could knock trees onto power lines. Report power outages to Dominion Power; the company has crews standing by in preparation, including contractors. If your power goes out, contact Dominion Virginia Power 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357), TTY 711; NOVEC 1-888-335-0500 or 703-335-0500, TTY 711.

Friday should see lower humidity with highs in the 70s.