The cold front is arriving and with it very strong winds.
The National Weather Service just issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning that covers all of Arlington, D.C. and surrounding areas. Expect wind and rain instead of lightning and thunder with the line of storms now entering Arlington.
From NWS:
BULLETIN – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
833 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026The National Weather Service in Sterling Virginia has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning…
* Until 915 PM EDT.
* At 832 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Green Valley to near Bealeton, moving east at 65 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…NWS Observation.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.
* Locations impacted include… Arlington, Alexandria, Columbia, Germantown, Centreville, Waldorf, Dale City, Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Reston, Annandale, Clinton, Olney, Pikesville, Springfield, College Park, South Riding, Fort Washington, and Herndon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Damaging winds and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with these storms. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature’s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA and Alexandria VA until 9:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/Z4JpN6d7QS
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) March 17, 2026
