Strong storms possible before clouds threaten tonight’s lunar eclipse
Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact the region, potentially causing flash flooding and damaging winds. These weather conditions may obscure the view of the upcoming lunar eclipse.
Why it matters
Severe weather events pose immediate risks to public safety and infrastructure, while also affecting local interest in astronomical events.
10:10 p.m. update: The severe thunderstorm watch has expired.
The humidity is back, and so are storm chances. Unfortunately, the storms and their canopy of clouds could interfere with the best lunar eclipse we'll have a chance to see until June 26, 2029.
Scattered storms could start to develop as soon as late afternoon but are most likely between 5 and 10 p.m. Because of the threat, the National Weather Service hoisted a severe thunderstorm watch that runs through 10 p.m.
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has also placed the area in a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms.
Sources: SPC/NWS , WPC/NWS , OpenStreetMap / CARTO . NWS/CARTO
In addition to heavy rain and lightning, damaging wind gusts are the main hazard of concern. Storms may be most numerous north of the Beltway, where isolated instances of hail and perhaps a brief tornado are also possible.
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