The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Prince William and Northern Virginia until 4:30 p.m. and a Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 8 p.m.
Winds could prove hazardous.
According to the NWS, radar recognized a line of strong thunderstorms hitting Prince William, Fairfax, Central Fauquier and Manassas around 3:50 p.m., Monday.
Thunderstorms are also predicted in D.C. and Maryland around that time.
The NWS's radar saw the thunderstorm line extending from Haymarket to Bealeton just before 4 p.m. Storm clouds were heading east at 40 miles per hour with wind gusts were up to 50 miles per hour.
“Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors…as well as damage homes and vehicles,” said the NWS. “Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.”
The NSW offers recommendations for staying safe.
“Get indoor to protect yourself from wind and lightning. Trees around you may be down from damaging winds. Don’t drive underneath trees or in wooded areas until the threat has passed,” the NWS said.
The NWS also suggests moving to interior room on the lowest floor of the building.
The worst of the storm is predicted to pass by 4:15 p.m., but the Watch extends into the evening.
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