A tornado watch was issued for Washington, D.C. and multiple counties across Virginia and Maryland on March 16, 2026, as harsh thunderstorms threatened to impact parts of the South. For the alerted counties, severe weather threats were forewarned to continue through the evening.
Get an update on the tornado watch and inclement weather threatening D.C. below.
Key Takeaways
- Tornado Watch: A tornado watch means residents should prepare for possible tornadoes.
- Warning Definition: A tornado warning indicates a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.
- Severe Weather Alerts: Various counties in Virginia and Maryland received severe thunderstorm alerts.
- Safety Measures: Residents are advised to stay indoors during severe weather conditions.
What Is the Difference Between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a tornado watch encourages all residents in one area to prepare for a possible tornado. The NWS’ description of the alert reads, “Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check 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.”
A tornado warning, according to the NWS, is when a tornado “has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.”
“There is imminent danger to life and property,” the site’s alert reads. “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.”
Tornado Watch & Storm Update in Washington D.C.
Washington, D.C. leaders urged residents to stay indoors when the harsh weather hits this afternoon. Possible tornadoes, heavy rain and wind gusts up to 80 miles per hour were issued for the city.
Tornado Watch & Storm Update in Virginia
The following counties in Virginia were issued severe thunderstorm alerts that afternoon:
- Southwestern Fairfax County
- East central Fauquier County
- Manassas
- Manassas Park
- Central Prince William County
- Tornado Watch & Storm Update in Maryland
According to NBC 4 Washington, the following counties were issued with severe thunderstorm alerts on the afternoon of March 16:
- Anne Arundel County
- Northwestern Calvert County
- Eastern Prince George’s County
- Northeastern Charles County
- Southeastern Baltimore
