Keep an Eye to the Skies Amid Severe Weather Threat Today

Tree down near Bishop O'Connell High School after last night's storms (photo courtesy Chris Farley) — Tree down near Bishop O’Connell High School after last night’s storms (photo courtesy Chris Farley)

(Updated at 3:10 p.m.) It’s overcast and muggy right now, but it could be stormy later today in Arlington.

A strong storm toppled trees and knocked out power to more than 2,000 homes and businesses last night in parts of Arlington — primarily around the East Falls Church area — and another round of severe weather is possible later this afternoon and evening.

Forecasters are uncertain about the extent to which the storms, which are expected to be most widespread north of the metro area, will extend south into Arlington, D.C. and elsewhere.

“Scattered severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts, large hail and isolated tornadoes are possible late this afternoon and this evening,” the National Weather Service said this afternoon. “Additionally, isolated occurrences of flash flooding are also possible.”

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was just issued for Arlington and surrounding areas, warning of the possibility of frequent lightning, ping-pong-sized hail, and damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph. A Tornado Watch has also been issued for areas to the north and east.