Falls Church Under Tornado Watch Until 7 P.M.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.

The National Weather Service has reported severe thunderstorms in the area of Winchester, Va. with over two inches of rain in a 45 minute period. These storms are expected to hit the Falls Church area between 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. today. They will also have strong winds and there is a possibility for local flooding. 

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A wide swath of Virginia, including Falls Church, is under a tornado watch until 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

"The ingredients may be there for a tornado," said meterologist Kevin Witt of the National Weather Service's Sterling office.

The National Weather Service is forecasting that severe storms will move through the City of Alexandria, and the entire Washington metropolitan region, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. today. These storms could bring damaging winds up to 55 miles per hour, isolated tornadoes and localized flash flooding. Rainfall of up to 1.5 inches is expected; up to 2 inches of rainfall is possible.

"As of now there are severe lines moving west to east and southwest to northeast, with some stronger than others," Witt said. "There is more potential for severe weather between 2 and 8 p.m."

If severe weather strikes during a commute home in traffic, Witt warned that the safest place to be is in a sturdy building, but if there is no time to move to a building, "stay in your car with the windows up." 

If a driver comes upon a flooded area while driving, "stop or turn around," Witt advised.

Fairfax County offers the following weather advice:

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard. 

• A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. You should monitor NOAA Weather Radio local radio and television news outlets for the latest developments. 
• A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter immediately. 

Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning. 
- Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. 
- If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. 
- In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. 
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris. 
- A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible. 
- If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. 
- Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed. 

For additional information, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/oem/prepare/tornadoes.htm.