Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Alexandria Until 7 p.m.

Updated 4:25 p.m. — Alexandria is also experiencing widespread power outages, with an estimated 4,928 residents in the area currently without power.

Alexandria is under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 7 p.m., as a strong storm is bearing down on the area.

The National Weather Service is advising that residents stay indoors.

Flash Flood Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA until 6:30 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/WGZSj4Yttj

— @NWSFlashFlood (@NWSFlashFlood) July 22, 2020

From the National Weather Service:

At 342 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from North Kensington to near Dale City, moving east at 25 mph.

These are very dangerous storms.

HAZARD…75 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE…Radar indicated.

IMPACT…Expect considerable damage to trees and power lines. Your life is at significant risk if outdoors.

In addition to some trees falling into homes, wind damage is possible to roofs, sheds, open garages, and mobile homes.

Locations impacted include… Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Bowie, Annandale, Clinton, Springfield, College Park, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, Fairfax, Langley Park, Beltsville, Fort Hunt, Vienna, Groveton, Forestville, Falls Church, Huntington and Coral Hills.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

This is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. Mobile homes and high profile vehicles are especially susceptible to winds of this magnitude and may be overturned. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms have the potential to cause serious injury and significant property damage.

Continuous cloud to ground lightning is 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.

Staff photo by James Cullum