The storm threat for Arlington is not over, but it hasn’t amounted to much so far.
A brief downpour just breezed through the county, around when elementary schools were letting out early due to the severe weather risk.
While there are severe thunderstorm warnings for parts north, south and — as of 3 p.m. — east of Arlington and D.C., it appears that we’ve largely dodged the first round of storms. The line that prompted a warning for northern Arlington earlier, referenced below, ended up skirting past just to the north.
Forecasters say a second wave of storms is still expected later today, perhaps in the evening hours, but the likelihood of the worst fears — of damaging tornados or widespread damaging winds — coming to fruition appears to be diminishing.
Many seem to have heeded the warnings nonetheless. In Ballston, post-lunchtime foot traffic was noticeably diminished and many offices appear to have emptied out.
Earlier today, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management announced that federal employees should leave their offices by 2 p.m. Arlington County, meanwhile, is closing community centers early — at 5 p.m. — and has cancelled outdoor activities after 2 p.m., according to the county website.
2:15p Monday: A narrow but intense line of torrential rain is now working west to east across the Beltway region and areas east of I-270 and I-95 over the next couple of hours.
There is one Severe Thunderstorm Warning currently in effect with this line, mainly north and… pic.twitter.com/lt5ygk6FWK
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) March 16, 2026
Good news gang — SO FAR, despite a few weaker tornadoes north of D.C., it looks like we’re taking the off-ramp scenario.
I understand forecast frustration. Yes, I’ll stand in the town square and y’all can show up with pitch forks and tomatoes.
Post-analysis coming tomorrow. https://t.co/ZhDjjzh8BJ
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) March 16, 2026
Earlier: Falls Church and northern parts of Arlington County are under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 1:15 p.m.
A line of storms approaching from the southwest is packing wind gusts up to 60 mph, which could topple trees and knock down large branches.
More, below, from the National Weather Service.
1252 PM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026
…A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 115 PM EDT FOR SOUTH CENTRAL MONTGOMERY…WESTERN ARLINGTON…CENTRAL FAIRFAX… AND CENTRAL PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTIES…THE CITY OF FAIRFAX…THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH…THE CITY OF MANASSAS PARK AND THE CITY OF MANASSAS…
At 1251 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Chantilly to near Fairfax to 6 miles west of Dale City, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts.
SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Damaging winds will cause some trees and large branches to fall. This could injure those outdoors, as well as damage homes and vehicles. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible. Unsecured light objects may become projectiles.
Locations impacted include… Arlington, Centreville, Dale City, Reston, Annandale, Springfield, Fairfax, Vienna, Falls Church, Mantua, Pimmit Hills, Mclean, American Legion Bridge, Potomac, Burke, Oakton, Chantilly, Lincolnia, Tysons Corner, and Wolf Trap.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 700 PM EDT for District of Columbia…central Maryland…and northern Virginia.
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant property damage.
