DC ECLIPSE FORECAST: Will clouds, storms block DC's view of the solar eclipse?

WASHINGTON - The timing couldn't be worse. The Washington, D.C. area could see storms and cloudy skies during one of the most anticipated events in decades - the 2017 solar eclipse!

The clouds will begin building into the afternoon with the potential for a few showers - even a thunderstorm - by mid-afternoon.

The eclipse will be visible in Washington, D.C. from 1:17 p.m. to 4:01 p.m. with the maximum eclipse viewing possible at 2:42 p.m.

Hope is not all lost, says FOX 5's Tucker Barnes, who says we're not looking at complete cloud-cover. "I'm cautiously optimistic that we're going have enough blue sky out there that we'll be able to see what's happening," Tucker said.

The bottom line that we could have a good view: 50 / 50. But the actual viewing time is long enough that there will more than likely be some sunny breaks during which eclipse viewing will be possible.

Fingers crossed! But don't worry! If we can't see this one - the next total solar eclipse to fall within the borders of the United States will happen in 2024 - from Texas to the Northeast!

You can follow all of the #EclipseOnFOX coverage starting at 11:30 a.m.: http://www.fox5dc.com/news/275052189-story