Strong storms bring heavy rain, severe weather warnings to DC area

WASHINGTON - A severe weather outbreak that erupted across the Southeast and Ohio Valley regions Wednesday afternoon is making its way through DC area. As that very potent storm system moves eastward, it has begun to spread rain into the D.C. area. Several warnings, including a tornado warning, were issued early Thursday afternoon for parts of the region.

A tornado warning previously issued for parts of Montgomery, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties expired just before 2 pm.

Scattered showers were in the area for the morning commute and they grew heavier as the morning continued. Some of these storms may be severe with damaging winds and small hail. While we are not expecting widespread tornado activity Thursday, there may be a few rotating supercell storms - mainly south of D.C.

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The NOAA/National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has placed areas south of D.C. in an "Enhanced Risk" for severe weather while the District and rest of the nearby suburbs are in a "Slight Risk."

While most of the showers and storms look to occur in the mid-morning to early afternoon time frame, there could be a final round of gusty thunderstorms, with the actual storm passing by around the evening commute.

From there, we will gradually clear out Thursday evening. Expect winds to ramp up and colder air to pour in for Friday, which will be gusty, cloudy and much, much cooler.

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