A tornado watch has been issued for large portions of Maryland, Virginia, and the greater Washington, DC area, with alerts in effect until midnight. Residents in cities such as Silver Spring, Laurel, Baltimore, Columbia, Alexandria, and Arlington are urged to stay alert as severe thunderstorms sweep through the Mid-Atlantic, bringing the risk of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.
What Is a Tornado Watch?
A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop, but no tornado has been spotted yet. The National Weather Service advises residents to review emergency plans and be ready to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued. Watches typically cover large areas and can last several hours, signaling that people should be prepared, not panicked.
Tornado Warning vs. Watch—What’s the Difference?.
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Tornado Watch: Be prepared. Severe weather could produce tornadoes. Stay tuned to local alerts and prepare to take shelter if necessary.
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Tornado Warning: Take action. A tornado has been sighted or detected by radar. Move to a safe location immediately, such as an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
Current Conditions and Risks
The National Weather Service has confirmed that intense thunderstorms are moving through the region, with radar indicating potential tornadoes traveling northeast at 10–20 mph. Hazards include damaging winds up to 65 mph, hail up to the size of ping-pong balls, and flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Power outages have already been reported in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, with thousands affected in Fairfax County.
What to Do Now.
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Monitor local weather updates and alerts.
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Prepare to move to a safe location if a warning is issued.
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Avoid windows and seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor.
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Report downed power lines, debris, or flooding to local authorities.
Stay vigilant as conditions can change rapidly. The tornado watch remains in effect through midnight, with the potential for severe weather continuing overnight.
