Updated: Feb. 1: 10:00 a.m.
Do not be deceived by the sunny weather. Expect Blustery wins from 18 to 22 miles per hour today with gusts as high as 27 mph and a high near 31. There is a bit of snow on the ground, but roads look to be clear. No sign of the rain that was predicted to cause flooding in the area.
Updated: Jan. 31, 10:42 p.m.
The National Weather Service cancelled the Tornado Watch, but upgraded the Flash Flood Watch to a Warning until 4:30 a.m. Friday morning.
"Doppler radar indicated very heavy rain capable of producing flash flooding," NWS said. "Radar estimates that up to two inches of rain has already fallen across portions of the warned area."
Forecasters call for an additional rainfall of up to two inches. Bands of heavy rain will continue through midnight.
"Additional areas of heavy rain are expected to develop ahead of a strong cold front approaching the area. The front will sweep east of the region by dawn," they said.
Updated: Jan. 31, 8:30 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, the Severe Thunderstorm Warning will expire at 8:30 p.m.
"The activity that prompted the warning has weakened, thus the Severe Thunderstorm Waring will expire at 8:30 p.m.," NWS said.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 2:00 a.m.
Updated: Jan. 30, 7:45 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 8:30 p.m. for Prince William County.
Original Story:
The National Weather Service has issued a number of advisories, warnings and watches for this evening, among them is the possibility of a tornado.
The service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook, which includes potentially strong gale gusts and even isolated tornadoes. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 2 a.m. this evening.
The Wind Advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.
"The strongest winds are expected ahead of a cold front late this afternoon and evening, south 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 50 mph," NWS said.
NOVEC warns that strong winds could bring down tree limps and cause power outages.
A Flash Flood Watch is also now in effect for Prince William and surrounding areas through the D.C. and Baltimore metro area.
"At 6:57 p.m. severe thunderstorms were detected along a line extending from five miles south of Warrenton to 12 miles southeast of Culpeper to seven miles southwest of Orange and were moving east at 40 mph. This line of storms is capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph," they said.
Residents should be careful, watchful and mindful during a tornado watch. If that watch becomes a warning, people are advised to stay indoors and away from windows. The ideal shelter location is a basement or windowless room on ground level.
On the roads, drive carefully and look out for areas of flooding. Report incidents of flooding to law enforcement officials, so they can block streets, if necessary.
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