Community Corner

Severe Weather: Tornado Watch In Effect for Virginia

National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms expected in Greater Alexandria and surrounding areas through 10 p.m. Friday.

Fairfax County sent out an alert Friday afternoon indicating a Tornado Watch is in effect for the local area through 10 p.m.

The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center is forecasting a risk of "severe thunderstorms" Friday afternoon and evening from eastern Georgia and the Carolinas northward across Virginia and Maryland and into southern Pennsylvania.

The watch is also in effect for Fairfax City, and Arlington, Alexandria and Loudoun counties, among other areas of the state.

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A tornado watch indicates "conditions are favorable for a tornado and that tornadoes are possible." It is not as severe as a warning, which means a tornado has been sighted or detected on radar, Fairfax County says in its emergency blog.


The Huntington and Belle View area may experience minor localized roadway flooding due to rain, according to Fairfax County public works and emergency management personnel.

Find out what's happening in Greater Alexandriawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Thunderstorms in our area tend to mean power outages are also on the way.

Prone to outages? Dominion Power offers these tips:

Before A Storm:

  • Stock up on candles, matches and battery-operated flashights (as well as plenty of batteries!)
  • Make sure your cell phone battery is fully charged.
  • Have non-perishable food on hand.
  • If your home loses power, turn of all appliances in case your home experiences a power surge when the power is restored.

PATCH WANTS TO KNOW - How do you prepare for stormy weather? Tell us in the comments.



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