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Strong storms prompt tornado warnings in DC area

Calls to seek shelter were issued to the D.C. area Thursday following strong storms that brought damaging wind gusts, hail and the risk of tornadoes. Here’s what you need to know. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for parts of D.C., Maryland and Virginia. A tornado has not been confirmed, but a video shows strong swirling winds in the Tysons Corner area. (Editor’s note: The video contains profanity.)

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Metrorail was single-tracking Thursday night between the McLean and Tysons Corner stations due to a track obstruction. A Metro spokesperson said a ceiling tile blew off and is on the track. The spokesperson said there were minimal delays expected. Reports of damages to two gas stations on Chain Bridge Road showed damage on the roof and some debris.

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There have been no reports of injuries, so far, NBC Washington reported. On Thursday afternoon, storms created challenges for motorists, as well. “Fallen trees have blocked several roads today, including Georgetown Pike near Scotts Run, River Road east of Goldsboro Road, and the Clara Barton Parkway near the Chain Bridge,” WTOP traffic reporter Dave Dildine said.



A line of thunderstorms started along the Interstate 81 corridor starting around 3 p.m. and slowly move eastward, nearing Interstate 95 over the following hours. As of midday, the National Weather Service had raised much of the region to an “enhanced” risk for severe weather, its third-highest of five risk levels. Storms cleared to the east after dusk Thursday, but periods of light rain will continue into the Friday commute. Friday will be blustery and cooler before winds diminish and skies clear tomorrow evening. For the latest road and traffic conditions, see WTOP’s traffic page or listen to updates every 10 minutes online or on the air at 103.5 FM. Download the free WTOP News app for Android and Apple phones to sign up for custom traffic and weather alerts.

Forecast

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, windy and cooler with an isolated shower chance. Highs in the mid 50s to 60. SATURDAY: Sunny and cool with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. SUNDAY: Breezy day with early clouds, some sprinkles and showers clearing to mostly sunny skies. Highs in the low 60s.

Current conditions

Outages

WTOP’s Matt Small contributed to this report.

Hot, humid week ahead for DC area with severe storm risk

A dangerous heat wave will grip the D.C. area through Thursday, with highs in the mid to upper 90s and heat index values between 100 and 105. Hot and humid conditions are expected through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, which said to expect daily thunderstorm chances and a risk of severe thunderstorms. 7News Meteorologist Eileen Whelan told WTOP that most of Tuesday will stay dry, but a few late-day thunderstorms are possible, especially north and east of D.C. as storms drift south from Pennsylvania. Any storm could produce damaging wind gusts and hail, but Whelan reiterated "storm chances are low" on Tuesday. Due to a lack of air conditioning, Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland, closed early at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Prince George's County Public Schools said in a social media post.
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