Full Notification

1254 PM EDT Fri Apr 19 2019
 
This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for eastern West Virginia, northern and central Virginia, and central and western Maryland with the exception of Garrett County.
 
.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight
 
A Tornado Watch is in effect for until midnight for most of the outlook area. Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening. Some of the storms will likely be capable of producing damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.
 
A Flash Flood watch is in effect for much of the Shenandoah Valley, northern and central Virginia and central and northern Maryland from noon today through much of tonight.
 
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday
 
No hazardous weather is expected at this time.
###
 
For those of you wondering what the difference is between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning…I offer this from the National Weather Service.
What is the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning issued by the National Weather Service?
Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm. What is a Tornado Watch?
This is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Their size can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They normally are issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review tornado safety rules and be prepared to move a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.