WASHINGTON — WUSA9's weather team has issued a Red Weather Alert for Friday as a strong line of thunderstorms moves through the area. These storms will pack heavy rain and wind gusts up to 58 mph and stronger. Hail and an isolated tornadoes are possible.
A Tornado Watch is also in effect for parts of the D.C. region until 2 p.m. The next round of strong to severe storms will move through the area between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
We have the forcing for storms with a frontal passage and we have plenty of instability thanks to a warm front lifting north bringing in moisture and warmer air, the question remains will the timing line up?
If the front passes before or after the most unstable part of the day we may just end up with scattered storms and not a strong line of severe weather.
We do know that with quite a bit of precipitable water available and a measure of moisture in the atmosphere, there is a concern for isolated flooding where pockets of heavy rain develop.
The other threat to watch is wind damage with the potential for strong wind gusts to mix down to the surface. And while low, there is a concern for isolated tornadoes. We could see supercells develop along the long of storms that could result in rotation.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for much of the D.C. region until 2 p.m. Eastern Time. A Flood Watch will go into effect later Friday morning.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a "slight" risk for severe weather for most of the DMV.
Action items for Friday:
There is still a chance for isolated showers and maybe a storm on Saturday, but they will be few and far between. Humidity remains in check Saturday and Sunday with warm days and cool nights.
Both Sunday and Monday look quite nice with plenty of sunshine and warmer temperatures for Memorial Day.
