D.C. storm updates: Threat of storms diminishing, but a few still possible through evening (2024)

In the wake of these storms and their associated clouds, partial sunshine has emerged across much of the region. It’s possible, but not a sure bet, that a few more showers or storms pop up later this evening before a cold front clears the area around or after midnight. We’ll update this post if any strong to severe storms develop.

4:40 p.m. — Just a few storms are scattered mostly north of the District

So far today, storms have been widely scattered rather than widespread — mainly affecting Montgomery and Howard counties. While they’ve produced some downpours and lightning, they haven’t unleashed notably strong gusts.

However, there’s some potential for new storms to develop, especially near and east of Interstate 95. We’ll post another update around 6 p.m. — or sooner if severe weather develops.

3:45 p.m. — Heavy storms cutting across Montgomery County, but not severe

Radar shows storms cutting through western Montgomery County, drenching areas cleaning up from Wednesday’s tornadoes. While they contain heavy rain and lightning, they are not considered severe because they are not producing damaging winds at this time.

The storms should continue to progress to the east and northeast, passing through Rockville, Olney and Columbia in the next hour or so.

Right now, it would appear storms may be more hit or miss from the District southward, but it’s possible the line of the storms to the north expands southward some.

We’ll post another update in about an hour or sooner if storms turn severe.

2:35 p.m. — Severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m.

A cold front moving through the area could set off some intense storms into this evening, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m.

“The stronger thunderstorms will be capable of strong to severe gusts (50-65 mph) capable of wind damage,” the Weather Service wrote.

In addition to strong winds, storms could produce heavy downpours, lightning and perhaps some hail.

For areas west of Interstate 95, most of the storms should occur before 6 p.m. East of I-95, they’ll be most probable between about 5 and 9 p.m.

The watch area includes the zone from Virginia Beach to Philadelphia and also includes Richmond and Baltimore.

Storms may become most intense east of I-95.

A severe thunderstorm watch is not a guarantee of potent storms in your location, it just means ingredients are in place for them to potentially form. You should remain alert and tuned into the weather. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, it means a dangerous storm is imminent and you should head inside.

Severe thunderstorms sometimes produce tornadoes, but ingredients are much less favorable for tornadoes today compared to yesterday.

We’ll post another update in about an hour, or earlier if storms threaten.

2 p.m. — Tornado warning issued and then canceled

A tornado warning was briefly issued for parts of northern Montgomery and southeastern Frederick counties, including Urbana and Damascus. The warning was supposed to run through 2:15 p.m., but it was canceled as the storm rotation weakened.

Although a tornado warning has already been issued, a situation like Wednesday with long-tracked storms producing twisters is very unlikely.

Original post …

After yesterday’s surprisingly potent tornado outbreak focused on Maryland, we’ve got another afternoon into evening storm risk brewing today. In this case, the most focused activity should tend to be south and east toward Southern Maryland. But, with storms developing locally we can still take a bit of a punch. Good news is the bad weather today is caused by a cold front that will deliver much nicer weather to end the workweek.

Through tonight: Showers and storms are popping up locally, with most of the activity moving southeast of the immediate area by 5 or 6 p.m. An additional shower or storm is possible behind the main batch, through about midnight. The primary risk should be isolated damaging wind gusts and perhaps some hail, mainly near Interstate 95 and eastward, along with the potential for heavy rain and dangerous lightning. A brief tornado can’t be ruled out.

Lows end up dipping into the mid- and upper 60s as humidity dwindles toward dawn.

Tomorrow (Friday): We’ll end the workweek on a bright note. Clouds are few and sunshine is warm as highs rise to a range of near 80 to the mid-80s. Humidity is also down, thanks to a somewhat gusty west wind.

More storms: Any storms that develop this afternoon could quickly turn strong thanks to abundant moisture and warmth, plus a cold front moving toward the area. Compared to yesterday, wind shear — change and direction with height — is less favorable for tornadoes. The greatest uncertainty is in the fact that storms will be beginning in our area, rather than marching in from well west.

According to Jeff Halverson, our severe weather expert: “This afternoon’s strong cold front is expected to trigger a line of storms that will sweep through starting midafternoon.”

Halverson pointed out that “models suggest more scattered coverage north of D.C., and more of a solid line D.C. and south. The greatest hazard is localized, damaging straight line wind gusts.”

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