The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area that will be in effect until 4 p.m.
According to the alert:
At 318 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Fairfax,
moving northeast at 40 mph.HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches
to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as
damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by
downed trees. Localized power outages are possible.
Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.* Locations impacted include…
Arlington, Alexandria, Centreville, Rockville, Bethesda, Reston,
Bowie, Annandale, Olney, Springfield, College Park, Herndon,
Greenbelt, Fairfax, Langley Park, Beltsville, Vienna, Groveton,
Forestville and Falls Church.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA until 4:00 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/x0DafHwz0Z
— NWS Severe Tstorm (@NWSSevereTstorm) June 19, 2017
The NWS says you should take precaution by getting indoors to protect yourself from wind and lightning. Trees around you may be downed from damaging winds, so if you are near large trees, move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Don’t drive underneath trees or in wooded areas until the threat has passed.