Severe Thunderstorms Possible In NoVA Day After Regional Tornadoes

VIRGINIA — After severe storms brought confirmed tornadoes to the DC region, Northern Virginia faces another severe thunderstorm risk Thursday.

The National Weather Service expects another round of showers and thunderstorms Thursday and issued a severe thunderstorm watch for much of the region. Localized heavy rain and severe thunderstorms could materialize in some areas. Forecasters say the greatest threat of severe storms is along and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the afternoon.

Northern Virginia largely has a marginal risk of thunderstorms (level 1 of 5), while areas southeast of DC have a slight risk (level 2 of 5), the National Weather Service said. Damaging winds and hail are the main threats from the severe storms.

The severe weather alert comes after two likely tornadoes were reported in Montgomery County and several other Maryland locations. A tornado at several homes in Gaithersburg led to damages and collapsing. Residents trapped in the homes were rescued.

In Aberdeen, north of Baltimore, seven inches of rain fell Wednesday night, prompting water rescues for stranded drivers.

The National Weather Survey said it sent out survey teams to evaluate damage in nine counties in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. It will release findings from the severe weather later Thursday.

Thursday's severe thunderstorm watch applies to Arlington County, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, City of Fredericksburg and others. The watch will expire at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Residents can monitor the National Weather Service in the case that any warnings be issued. Warnings typically mean that severe weather is happening and requires action.

SEE ALSO:

• 2 Tornadoes Strike Montgomery County: Emergency Officials
• Tornadoes Touch Down In MD, Rescues In MoCo: County

Here is the upcoming forecast at Dulles International Airport:

Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent. At night, a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. The chance of precipitation goes down to 30 percent.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 83. West wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. At night, mostly clear, with a low around 57.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 82. At night, tartly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. At night, a chance of showers before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. At night, partly cloudy, with a low around 56.