DC area faces severe storm risk. Damaging winds, hail possible

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop across the D.C. region Tuesday afternoon and evening, with some storms becoming severe and creating hazardous conditions for commuters.

The National Weather Service said , with multiple rounds of storms possible throughout the day.

Before the storms arrive, D.C. residents will have to contend with dangerous heat. Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated a heat alert for the District through 8 a.m. Wednesday.

After morning clouds give way to partial sunshine, temperatures will climb into the upper 80s to near 90. Combined with high humidity, it could feel like 95 to 100 during the afternoon, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses for people spending time outdoors.

The Storm Prediction Center places much of the D.C. region under a level 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather Tuesday.

The greatest concern is damaging wind gusts of up to 70 mph, which could bring down trees and power lines and lead to travel delays during the evening commute. Large hail is also possible, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, particularly with any storms that develop ahead of the main line.

Heavy rain may lead to localized flash flooding through midnight. Slow-moving storms could produce between a half-inch and 1.5 inches of rain, with isolated higher amounts possible.

The severe weather threat is expected to gradually diminish after sunset. Conditions will improve overnight, although 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans told 杏吧原创 he expects “a few leftover showers and storms” going into Wednesday.

Additional showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday, mainly east of the Blue Ridge, before cooler and less humid air arrives Thursday and sets up a more comfortable conditions to end the week.