The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Alexandria and much of Northern Virginia until 9 p.m. Tuesday evening (July 8), as the region faces a dangerous combination of extreme heat, potential flash flooding, and damaging winds.
The watch covers 22 counties in Virginia, including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William, along with portions of Maryland and the District of Columbia. Meteorologists warn that scattered severe thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging winds throughout the afternoon and evening hours.
The severe weather threat comes as Alexandria swelters under a Heat Advisory with heat index values expected to reach 106 degrees. The advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday, prompting officials to urge residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives.
Adding to the hazardous conditions, a Flood Watch is active from 2 p.m. Tuesday through midnight, covering the Baltimore-Washington metro area, including Alexandria. The National Weather Service warns that rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour are possible, potentially leading to flash flooding in areas where heavy rain persists.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” meteorologists stated in their flood watch advisory. “Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas.”
The convergence of these three weather hazards creates hazardous conditions for the Alexandria area. While residents seek relief from the oppressive heat, the approaching storms bring their risks of flooding and wind damage.
Weather spotters may be activated this afternoon and evening to monitor conditions across the region. The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
The severe thunderstorm watch extends across a broad swath of the Mid-Atlantic, affecting millions of residents from the Chesapeake Bay region through central Virginia. Alexandria residents are urged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and to avoid outdoor activities during the height of both the heat and storm threats.
