Severe weather

Severe storms are sweeping through the D.C. region, packing high winds, heavy downpours and the possibility for isolated tornadoes Monday afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service has put the entire D.C. area under a tornado watch until 7 p.m.
“The tornado threat, I believe, will start to diminish over the next couple of hours as the heaviest of the cells move off to the east, but the threat for damaging winds will stay with us as we go into the afternoon rush hour,” said WTOP Meteorologist Mike Stinneford.
Many school systems and the federal government are closing early ahead of another band of severe weather forecast to hit the region during the evening commute.

These watches and warnings are in effect throughout the D.C. region:
- Tornado watch in effect for the D.C. region, as well as parts of West Virginia and North Carolina until 7 p.m.
- Severe thunderstorm warning for southeastern Carroll, Howard, Baltimore counties as well as Baltimore City in Maryland until 3:15 p.m.
- Severe thunderstorm warning for northwestern St. Mary’s, southwestern Prince George’s and Charles counties in Maryland until 3 p.m.
- Severe thunderstorm warning for northwestern Anne Arundel, eastern Howard, southeastern Montgomery, northwestern Prince George’s counties in central Maryland until 2:45 p.m.
- Coastal flood warning along the shoreline in Anne Arundel County until 10 p.m.

Tornado warnings popped up for parts of the D.C. region earlier in the day as the National Weather Service spotted rotations on the radar.
Storms moved through at 55 mph, packing powerful winds as high as 60 mph and knocking out power for thousands of homes.
At least one more round of severe weather is expected to approach the D.C. metro after a brief lull between bands of storms.
“Showers and a risk of some thunderstorms over the next several hours, damaging winds, large hail the main threat,” Stinneford said. “Risk of tornadoes now mainly east of I-95.”
Rainfall rates reached 3 to 5 inches an hour Monday afternoon, according to Stinneford.
Some area roadways are experiencing puddling or flooding, including Interstate 270 and the Capital Beltway. Stick with WTOP Traffic for the latest on conditions.
Much of the area is under a moderate risk for severe storms: Level 4 out of 5, according to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. A designation rarely issued for the D.C. region.
It advises that storms will move “very rapidly” and to “take action” when “warning are issued,” not wait until one can hear or see signs of them.
The primary threat will be damaging gusts. Some storms could produce winds between 65 and 75 mph and isolated tornadoes are possible.
Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 60s and low 70s, creating conditions that could see another band of severe storms during the evening.
Behind the storms, a strong cold front will sweep through, bringing a dramatic shift in conditions for St. Patrick’s Day.
The storms and rainfall are expected to wrap up overnight; a few wet snowflakes may mix in after midnight as temperatures plummet into the 20s and 30s.
Tuesday will feel much more like winter returning to the region, as high temperatures may struggle to reach the upper 30s to mid 40s, and gusty northwest winds could make it feel closer to the 20s and 30s. Wind gusts reaching 40 mph are possible, adding to the chilly feel.

Students and federal workers sent home early
Federal employees have been authorized for early departure by the Office for Personnel Management. All employees must depart no later than 2 p.m. Monday.
Schools across the D.C. area said they would be closed or would dismiss students early in anticipation of severe weather. A full list is available on WTOP.com.
Flights are delayed at local airports Monday as the severe weather sweeps through the region. Ground stops that were put in place at Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport have been lifted.

Maryland prepares for the storm
Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of preparedness, directing Maryland’s Department of Emergency Management to coordinate readiness efforts across state government. He said the state’s Emergency Operations Center will be activated for Monday’s storm.
“I am urging residents to prepare early, stay informed, and adjust plans, including postponing travel, as conditions change. Know the safest room at home or at work, and plan to be indoors before the storm arrives,” Moore said in a statement.

The state issued the following preparedness recommendations:
- Plan ahead to minimize impact on you and your family.
- If you receive a tornado warning, immediately seek shelter.
- Stay informed by regularly checking weather updates from official sources and be sure to have a way to access local forecasts and warnings.
- Have an emergency kit ready and a family emergency plan in place, including where to shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
- Heed all warnings and stay indoors during severe weather, including pets.
- Keep devices charged in case of power outages.
- Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found at mdem.maryland.gov.
- Only use generators outdoors and never in a garage. The generator should be at least 20 feet away from the home and away from windows, doors and vents.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser echoed those calls for residents to keep an eye on the weather and change plans as needed.
After the storm, issues such as downed trees or debris can be reported to 311. Fallen electrical lines or power outages should be called into Pepco at 877-PEPCO-62 (877-737-2662).

FORECAST
MONDAY AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING: WEATHER ALERT
Strong to severe thunderstorms
Temperatures: 65-72, falling
Winds: South 15-25, Gusts to 50-60 mph

MONDAY NIGHT:
Rain. Storms end. Wet snowflakes possible
Lows: 27-35
Winds: West 10-15, Gusts 25 mph

TUESDAY:
Partly sunny and cold for St. Patrick’s Day
Highs: 38-46
Wind Chills: 25-35
Winds: Northwest 15-25, Gusts to 40 mph

WEDNESDAY:
Partly cloudy
Highs: 38-45
Winds: South 5-10 mph