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WEATHER ALERT: Severe Storm Threat Looms Over the DMV This Monday
March 16, 2026
Residents across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region are bracing for a high-impact weather day as a powerful storm system barrels toward the Mid-Atlantic.
Monday is shaping up to be a significant weather day not just for the DMV, but for a large stretch of the Mid-Atlantic and East Coast. The 7News First Alert Weather Team has designated Monday as a Weather Alert day as this potentially dangerous system takes shape. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of the DMV under a "moderate risk" for severe weather — a level 4 out of 5 — which is not something this area sees very often. WJLA
Timing and Temperatures
Temperatures Monday are expected to climb to highs between 65 and 72 degrees, with south winds of 15–25 mph and gusts up to 50–60 mph. After some morning clouds, temperatures will rise into the upper 60s to low 70s, helping fuel strong to severe storms by afternoon and evening. WJLA
The timing for a squall line of thunderstorms is between 4 and 9 p.m., moving from west to east. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there is potential for isolated to scattered supercell storms, posing a concern for tornadoes. WJLA
The Primary Threats
The biggest concern is damaging wind gusts. Some of the strongest storms could produce wind gusts between 65 and 75 mph — strong enough to bring down tree limbs, cause scattered power outages, and make travel difficult. There is also an isolated tornado risk, as a few storms may begin to rotate quickly while moving through the region. Widespread severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings from the National Weather Service are likely. WJLA
FOX 45 meteorologists warn that strong updrafts could lead to straight-line winds, with embedded tornadoes also possible. Temperatures are then expected to nosedive after the front passes on Tuesday. Fox Baltimore
Government Response
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Preparedness ahead of the severe storms, directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate readiness efforts across state government. Officials are urging Maryland residents to have a plan for shelter in case a tornado or severe thunderstorm warning is issued. Fox Baltimore
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has also announced a city preparedness plan. The Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management will activate its Emergency Operations Center at 1 p.m. on March 16 in response to the threats. City officials are urging residents to remain alert and take steps to prepare for the potential severe weather. Fox Baltimore
School Closures and Travel Impacts
Because of the approaching storms, several school systems have announced early closures. The greatest chance for strong to severe storms for the DC metro area looks to be Monday afternoon into Monday evening — a timing that could affect school dismissal and the evening commute. WJLA
What Comes Next
By Tuesday — St. Patrick's Day — the strong cold front will be well to the east and the region will be dealing with a dramatic temperature drop. Highs will likely stay in the upper 30s to low 40s, and wind chills could make it feel like the 20s and low 30s for much of the day. Winds could still gust 30 to 40 mph. In the mountains, upslope snow showers are likely. WJLA
Because conditions may change quickly, especially as storms develop and move east, residents should have multiple ways to receive warnings and be ready to act right away if a watch or warning is issued. WJLA
Sources: WJLA 7News First Alert Weather Team; FOX 45 (WBFF) Baltimore