Some strong storms are possible this afternoon and evening, forecasters say.
The scattered storms could pack damaging winds, potentially downing tree limbs and power lines. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is possible, the National Weather Service says. Arlington is near the western border of the likely watch area.
(Updated at 9:30 p.m.) The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado caused the widespread damage seen in several North Arlington neighborhoods today.
The tornado struck around 9 p.m. Thursday night, touching down near the intersection of Lee Highway and N. Glebe Road. It was rated as an EF1 — the second-lowest on the Enhanced Fujita scale — and cut a 125 yard-wide path of damage as it made its way east through several neighborhoods, before moving into D.C. Maximum winds were estimated at 90 mph.
Power Outage Update — As of 8:45 a.m., Dominion reports 3,149 customers in Arlington still without power after last night’s storms, which may have spawned a tornado. [Twitter]
Workers Threatened During Rosslyn Theft — “At approximately 4:54 a.m. on June 30, police were dispatched to the report of a larceny in progress. Upon arrival, it was determined that the suspect allegedly entered a work site and attempted to steal equipment. When confronted by workers, the suspect produced a large wooden stick and threatened them. Responding officers located the suspect on scene and he was taken into custody.” [ACPD]
Update at 6 p.m. — A damage path that cut through several Arlington neighborhoods was from an EF1 tornado, as just confirmed by the National Weather Service.
Earlier: The Arlington County Fire Department responded to “multiple calls for service” after a Tornado Warning was issued for parts of the county.
Update at 4:15 p.m. — The earlier severe thunderstorm watch and warning have both been cancelled.
Update at 3:40 p.m. — Just over 1,400 Dominion customers in Arlington are without power, according to preliminary numbers from the power company’s website.
Northern portions of Arlington County are now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
A line of strong storms is approaching the area and may pack damaging wind gusts.
Update at 5:10 p.m. — A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has now been issued.
Update at 2:20 p.m. — A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has now been issued for Arlington and much of the region.
Update at 10:50 p.m. — The earlier Flash Flood Watch has been upgraded to a Flash Flood Warning. Flooding near streams and in low-lying areas is imminent. The warning is in effect until 1:45 a.m.
From the National Weather Service:
A portion of Arlington County is now under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning as a line of potent storms bears down on the area.
The warning encompasses a southern portion of the county.
Arlington County and the D.C. area is under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch tonight.
The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Forecasters say strong storms packing quarter-sized hail and strong winds are possible.
Progress on Revamped VRE Station — “It could just be just a matter of months until the Virginia Railway Express plan to create a new station in Crystal City reaches another milestone. VRE officials project it will be in the third quarter of 2021 that preliminary engineering and environmental-impact steps toward eventual construction will be completed.” [Sun Gazette]
Amazon Sponsoring Arlington Youth Soccer — “Kids in Arlington’s travel soccer programs will play with the Amazon logo on the backs of their jerseys this fall thanks to a sponsorship between the retailing giant and the Arlington Soccer Association.” [Washingtonian]
Update at 8:25 p.m. — Now the remainder of Arlington is under another Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
Pretty much the entire immediate DC area under severe storm warning now through around 9p. Storms likely to unleash 50–70 mph winds in some areas along with frequent lightning and very heavy rain. https://t.co/9keVWTga9c
