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Gusty thunderstorms pound the DC region Thursday

Thunderstorms rocked the D.C. region Thursday, ushering in high winds, large hail and the possibility of tornados.

Much of the D.C. metro region spent the mid to late afternoon under a tornado watch, meaning weather conditions could lead to the formation of severe storms and tornadoes.

Heavy rainfall created ponding on some roadways and lowering visibility for evening commuters. WTOP Traffic has the latest on roadway impacts.

The FAA temporarily grounded flights at Reagan National and BWI Marshall airports due to thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service has issued these watches and warnings for the D.C. area:

  • Tornado watch for Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s counties in Maryland and Staffard County in Virginia until 10 p.m.

Thursday’s storms were expected to be most impactful in areas east of U.S. Route 15, according to NWS.

Urban areas were especially at risk of flash flooding, according to the National Weather Service. The highest risk was near and northeast of Baltimore, Maryland.

The stormy weather was expected to move out of the D.C. region by 9 p.m.



Before the storms arrived, Thursday was hot and humid in the D.C. region with highs near 90.

“Temperatures will fall into the 70s once those storms come through, and we’ll see cooler temperatures overnight in the 60s,” Whelan said.

Friday will be overcast, mostly dry and cooler than Thursday with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s.

Forecast

THURSDAY EVENING: Strong to severe storms. Temperatures between 66 and 76.
Winds: Southwest to North 10-20 mph

OVERNIGHT: Rain, storms ending. Patchy fog developing. Lows between 57 and 65.
Winds: North 5 mph

FRIDAY: Mostly to partly cloudy. Highs between 79 and 87.
Winds: Northeast 5-10 mph

SATURDAY: Cloudy and humid. Tracking morning, PM scattered storms. Highs between 78 and 82.
Winds: Southeast 5-10 mph

SUNDAY: AM clouds, PM sun. Highs between 82 and 86.
Winds: Southwest to West 5-10 mph

Current conditions

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