A tornado watch was issued for Washington, D.C. and multiple counties across Virginia and Maryland in March 2026.

A sprawling line of severe thunderstorms that slammed the Heartland Sunday is charging east Monday, placing more than 12 million people across parts of the Mid-Atlantic and the Southeast under a rare Level 4 out of 5 risk of severe weather.

The National Weather Service in Sterling says if you are in a tornado warning area, take cover now and move inside to either a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Anyone outside, in a car or a mobile home, should move to the nearest substantial shelter. Stay away from windows.

A powerful storm system is moving into the region Monday, bringing the potential for severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and tornadoes.

A severe storm system — including damaging winds, thunderstorms and a potential for tornadoes — is threatening to wallop the Washington, DC, area Monday afternoon, with school closures already planned and Congress nixing votes.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the D.C. region under a Moderate Risk (level 4 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms.

A strong storm system could bring severe weather to Washington DC on Monday. Forecasters warn of damaging winds, hail, heavy rain and a small tornado risk during the afternoon rush hour.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a second ground stop at Reagan International Airport until 3 p.m. Monday due to thunderstorms in the area.

The earlier tornado watch was canceled. There is still a risk of late-evening showers and storms that could have scattered damaging wind gusts.