PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – It’s been a tough start to the day for residents in Prince William, Stafford, and surrounding counties as they deal with the aftermath of overnight storms—and now face dangerous heat.

Thousands lost power Wednesday night as severe thunderstorms rolled through Northern Virginia. As of 5:30 a.m. Thursday, about 850 NOVEC customers remained without electricity, down from a peak of 7,000. Reported outages include 79 in Prince William County, 63 in Stafford, 561 in Fauquier, and 136 in Loudoun. Dominion Energy reported 24 outages in Prince William and more than 500 in Fauquier.

At the same time, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning that remains in effect until 8:30 a.m. after heavy rainfall—up to 4.5 inches in some areas—caused creeks and streams to overflow. Roads in parts of Manassas, Manassas Park, Haymarket, Nokesville, and Gainesville were flooded, and emergency officials warn that some crossings remain impassable.

Now, the region shifts to a new threat: extreme heat. A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, with heat index values expected to reach around 105 degrees. The advisory covers Prince William, Stafford, Manassas, and Manassas Park, along with much of Northern Virginia and D.C.

Health officials are urging residents to stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day—especially those still without power and air conditioning.

For ongoing updates and safety tips:

• Power outage updates: novec.com/stormcenter

• Flood safety info: weather.gov/safety/flood

A strong cold front moving into the region on Tuesday is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for flooding and damaging winds during the afternoon and evening hours.

According to the National Weather Service, conditions will become increasingly unstable throughout the day, leading to likely thunderstorm activity after 4 p.m. Forecasters say the setup could produce repeated rounds of storms, raising the risk of flash flooding in low-lying and urban areas. A Flood Watch may be issued ahead of the storm’s arrival.

Tuesday’s high will reach around 88 degrees, with southwest winds at 10 mph and gusts up to 22 mph. Rain chances increase to 60 percent in the afternoon, with new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch expected.

Thunderstorms are expected to continue into the night, with an 80 percent chance of rain and a low of 73 degrees. The threat of wet microbursts—strong, localized downdrafts—also raises concerns for damaging wind gusts during stronger storms.

The storm system is expected to linger into early Wednesday morning, particularly in southern Maryland, before tapering off. Wednesday will bring a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 11 a.m., with a high near 85.

Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates and be prepared for the possibility of localized flooding, downed trees, and travel delays.

Warm, humid weather will give way to scattered thunderstorms this afternoon as a weak cold front drifts through the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say the day will start mostly sunny with highs reaching the upper 80s to low 90s, but the combination of heat and moisture will create unstable conditions leading to thunderstorm development. Areas west of the Blue Ridge and into the Shenandoah Valley could see storms as early as noon, while the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas can expect storm chances between 2 and 8 p.m.

Storms will be hit or miss and difficult to time, but some could bring strong wind gusts and heavy downpours. The highest risk is along and east of the Blue Ridge through the I-95 corridor, where the Storm Prediction Center has issued a Marginal Risk for severe weather.

Storms will taper off after sunset with lows dropping into the upper 60s and low 70s. Some patchy fog may form before daybreak Monday.

🌦 Weather Outlook

• Today (Sunday): Hot and humid with scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Heat index near 100°F.
• Tonight: Storms ending after sunset. Lows in the upper 60s to low 70s. Patchy fog possible.
• Monday: Partly sunny with a continued chance of isolated afternoon storms. Highs in the upper 80s.
• Tuesday: Drier and slightly cooler with highs in the mid-80s.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warm. Highs near 90°F.

A ridge of high pressure remains in place, keeping the region hot and humid today. Scattered thunderstorms are likely to develop this afternoon and evening, bringing the risk of heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and frequent lightning. With high moisture levels and slow-moving storms, localized flash flooding—especially east of the Blue Ridge and along the I-95 corridor—is a real concern. A Heat Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m., with heat index values reaching 102 to 107 degrees.

Here’s what to expect over the next few days:

• Thursday: Hot and humid with highs in the low-to-mid 90s. Scattered afternoon and evening storms may bring gusty winds, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding.

• Friday: Continued hot and humid with more showers and storms. Highs in the upper 80s to low 90s.

• Saturday: Slightly cooler with a chance of lingering showers as a stalled front begins to lift north. Highs in the mid-80s.

• Sunday: Drier conditions likely with partly sunny skies. Highs in the mid-80s.

• Early Next Week: A stronger cold front may arrive, bringing cooler temperatures and a renewed chance of storms.

Stay weather-aware and take precautions during the heat of the day.

A strong cold front moving through the region today is expected to bring a line of powerful thunderstorms, prompting a Level 3 (Enhanced Risk) for severe weather across much of Northern Virginia, including the I-95 corridor, according to the National Weather Service in Sterling.

As of 11 a.m., temperatures were already soaring into the mid to upper 80s, with oppressive humidity making it feel even hotter. At Washington National Airport, it was 84°F with a heat index of 91°F. In Fredericksburg, it was 86°F and sunny, with wind gusts reaching 18 mph. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was already reporting a temperature of 91°F and a heat index near 99°F.

Forecasters say storms could begin forming over the mountains by early afternoon and intensify as they move eastward. The highest threat for damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall will occur between 3 and 7 p.m., especially in urban areas like Manassas, Woodbridge, and Fredericksburg. An isolated tornado or two can’t be ruled out.

“All hazards are on the table today,” meteorologists warned in a forecast discussion Thursday morning. “Storms will feed off high heat and humidity, making for an active afternoon.”

Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 80s to low 90s ahead of the storms, with heat indices around 100 degrees. The combination of heat, humidity, and wind shear makes for a potentially dangerous setup.

Heavy downpours could also lead to localized flash flooding, especially in areas that have received recent rainfall. Storms may dump one to two inches of rain in under an hour, and runoff could be a concern in low-lying or urban areas.

Storm activity is expected to clear the region between 8 and 11 p.m., leaving behind cooler, drier air.

Looking Ahead:

• Friday: Relief arrives with highs in the mid-80s, lower humidity, and sunny skies. A stray shower is possible near the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, but most of the region will stay dry.
• Saturday: Warmer but still pleasant with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and moderate humidity. Dry conditions are expected during the day.
• Sunday and Beyond: A prolonged stretch of heat is on the way. Temperatures will climb back into the 90s, and humidity will increase as high pressure builds.

A Tornado Watch is in effect for our area until midnight Friday, with the greatest risk for severe weather between 7 and 10 p.m. along the I-95 corridor. The National Weather Service says a band of intense thunderstorms is expected to move eastward into our region this evening, bringing the possibility of isolated tornadoes, heavy downpours, and gusty winds up to 65 mph. A Flood Watch is also in effect, and while the heaviest rain may fall north of our region, saturated ground means it won’t take much to cause localized flash flooding.

Later tonight, a second round of rain is possible, especially in northern Maryland, as the storm system’s surface low strengthens. Behind the front, blustery winds may continue overnight. Another round of showers and possibly thunderstorms is expected Saturday, though with lower coverage and intensity.

 Weather Highlights:

• Friday: Tornado Watch until 12 a.m. Strong storms likely between 7–10 p.m. on I-95. Risk of isolated tornadoes, heavy rain, and gusty winds. Flash flooding possible.
• Saturday: Spotty showers and storms, mainly in the afternoon. Cooler and breezy, highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.
• Saturday Night: Clearing skies, cooler. Lows in the upper 40s, with some valleys dropping into the 30s.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and dry. Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s.

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for much of Northern Virginia, in effect until 10 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025.

Areas included in the watch are Prince William, Stafford, Fairfax, Fauquier, Culpeper, Loudoun, Frederick, and surrounding counties, along with the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Winchester, according to the National Weather Service.

What to Expect

Earlier today, a line of moderate to heavy showers moved across central Maryland, bringing downpours but no severe weather. However, more storms could develop later this afternoon and evening, particularly along and east of I-95. With high humidity and temperatures reaching the upper 80s to near 90 degrees, conditions are favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms.

According to forecasters, this first round of potential storms may develop along Bay and River breezes, and if they do, they could bring damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Another second round of storms is possible later tonight, depending on how systems develop to the west. While the overnight risk may be lower without daytime heating, humid air and an approaching cold front could still support severe weather into the early morning hours.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Slight Risk for severe storms today and tonight. There’s also a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall, meaning isolated flash flooding could occur, especially in areas that have already seen significant rain this week.

Weekend Outlook

A cold front is expected to move through on Saturday, bringing cooler and drier air. High pressure will build in from the north on Sunday and Monday, bringing calmer and more comfortable weather to the region.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive alerts, and be prepared to take shelter if warnings are issued.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Flooding concerns remain high along the Rappahannock River after a day of heavy rain and rescue operations.

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A warm and sunny start to Saturday will give way to a stormy and unsettled pattern across our region this weekend. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon, some of which could be strong to severe, bringing damaging winds and large hail. Rain and thunderstorm chances increase overnight and continue through Sunday and into Monday, with the potential for localized flooding and isolated severe storms. While not everyone will see dangerous weather, it’s important to stay alert as conditions evolve.

Weekend Outlook

• Saturday: A mix of sun and clouds with scattered afternoon thunderstorms. High near 82°F. Winds from the south at 15 mph, gusting to 25 mph. Some storms may be severe.
• Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, especially before midnight. Low around 66°F. Chance of rain: 60%.
• Sunday: Rain and storms expected throughout the day. Cooler, with a high near 76°F. Heavy downpours possible. Chance of rain: 100%.
• Sunday Night: More showers and a few thunderstorms, tapering off overnight. Low near 64°F. Chance of rain: 80%.
• Monday: Still unsettled with showers and thunderstorms developing again, especially in the afternoon. High near 78°F. Chance of rain: 80%.

Stay weather-aware this weekend and monitor for updates, especially if you have outdoor plans.

The workweek will begin on a cool and breezy note today, but it won’t last long. High pressure moving in from Canada will bring sunny skies and calmer conditions for Monday, followed by a sharp warm-up on Tuesday. A few showers and thunderstorms could develop late Tuesday as a warm front pushes through the region.

Here’s what to expect over the next few days:

• Sunday Afternoon: Breezy and cooler with plenty of sunshine. Highs will top out in the upper 60s to low 70s, but northwesterly winds could gust up to 35 mph at times. Humidity will be low, making it feel crisp and dry.
• Monday: A chilly start in the 30s and 40s will give way to a milder, sunny afternoon. Highs will reach the mid-70s with much lighter winds compared to Sunday.
• Tuesday: A warm front will move through, sending temperatures soaring into the low to mid-80s. Expect increasing clouds and the chance for a few afternoon and evening showers or thunderstorms, especially west of I-95.
• Tuesday Night: Very mild with temperatures holding steady in the low to mid-60s. Some showers could linger, mainly west of the immediate D.C. area.