There is also the potential for some severe storms that can produce damaging winds and small hail. The Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center placed the northern and eastern parts of the area under a Level 1 of 5 risk for severe weather. This is the same storm system responsible for a severe weather outbreak in the central US
In addition to damaging wind gusts at times late Saturday, sustained west winds of 25 to 35 mph are possible. For some forecasts, tropical storm force winds are maintained at 39 mph or higher.
Despite the rain, strong winds could increase fire risk in open areas, especially as the region is running below normal for rain this year.
It will be windy Friday night, so now is a good time to secure any loose items outside that might blow away. You may also consider charging phones and batteries due to the possibility of at least scattered power outages. The strong wind activity will put a quick end to the long blooming season for cherry blossoms, as most of the remaining petals will be wiped out in the next 24 hours.
Below is a snapshot of what to expect.
Until Friday night – Even before a high wind watch is in place late Saturday, winds will become very strong starting late Friday. Tonight and overnight, gusts of 30 to 40 mph are likely, with gusts of 15 to 25 mph.
Saturday morning – There may be a pulse of higher winds as the front approaches and there may be any heavier showers or storms as it passes (see below for more details on storms). Relatively widespread gusts of 40 to 45 mph are possible during this time, with the potential for isolated gusts up to 50 mph or more.
Saturday noon to early afternoon— A relative lull may follow the frontal path. Think of it as the eye of the storm. A bigger gust of wind is on the way.
Early to noon to early evening – Strong winds will cross the Blue Ridge somewhere in the 1 to 2 pm range, give or take. They should spread across the DC metro area through the afternoon, with gusts reaching and exceeding 50 mph at times, especially to the west. Winds will pick up to 25 to 35 mph in the early evening. Temperatures will be in the 70s to near 80.
Saturday night— The worst of it could occur in the hours around sunset, or around 5 to 10 p.m. Widespread wind gusts near and above 50 mph are likely, with a few gusts around 60 mph. which is possible. This can lead to downed trees and power outages, at least in isolated cases.
Evening until early Sunday – Winds eased overnight, but still gusted around 40 mph until dawn. Gusts will drop to 30 to 40 mph by sunrise Sunday, and winds will be relatively calm during the day.
First round: Saturday 7 am to noon – Showers and maybe a few thunderstorms should arrive in the hours after sunrise.
Winds may be stronger with any heavy rain ahead or along a cold front that moves through by mid-late morning, perhaps around 11am. some places to see more.
Maybe a lull: Saturday afternoon – Sunshine mixed with clouds, slight risk of showers.
Second round: Saturday 5 to 9 pm – The second phase will be a broken line. The best chances for showers and thunderstorms are in the general DC area and north.
High-energy highs and a push of cooler air trigger showers and storms that can produce damaging winds and/or small hail. It’s moving fast and there isn’t much moisture behind the front, so not much rain is likely. Another tenth of an inch, or more is possible in some areas.
Temperatures will be on the cooler side of normal Sunday, but that will be in the 50s and wind will decrease. Above-average heat with temperatures in the 70s to low or mid-80s will move into the area next week. Another storm system may approach by mid-week.
