ED Doctor Near Alexandria, VA

Forecasts call for heavy rains, a tornado threat, and 80 mph winds from a powerful storm system to slam Virginia on Monday.

Updated at 4:05 p.m.

A tornado watch for 52 Virginia counties has been canceled Monday after severe thunderstorms dumped heavy rains on the D.C. region, but that has been replaced in some areas with a flood warning in effect until 6:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service said small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected in portions of northern Virginia, including the city of Fairfax, Falls Church and Fairfax County.

"Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring," the NWS said. "Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable."

At 3:33 p.m., emergency management reported that increased runoff combined with 1 to 2 inches of rain has led to multiple reports of small stream flooding of roads along with storm drain flooding along the I-495 south of the American Legion bridge.

Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Another half-inch of rainfall is possible in the warned area.

Some communities that will see flooding include: Centreville, Rockville, Bethesda, Reston, Annandale, Fairfax, Vienna, Falls Church, Mantua, Pimmit Hills, McLean, American Legion Bridge, Burke, Oakton, Chantilly, Tysons Corner and Wolf Trap.

Drivers are urged to turn around when they encounter flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Many school districts in the area announced plans to dismiss classes early, including Alexandria, Fairfax, Arlington, Fredericksburg, and Prince William.

The tornado watch had included Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. Cities in the watch include: Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park.

The watch was set to expire at 7 p.m. with "a few" tornadoes likely, along with quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 80 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Severe storms are expected to hit the D.C. area this afternoon, said NBC Washington. The main threat is expected 3 p.m. through 9 p.m., so prepare for potentially dangerous conditions during the afternoon commute.

Damaging winds and tornadoes will be possible. There’s a level 4 out of 5 threat level for severe weather in much of the area.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged Virginians Monday afternoon to prepare for the potential of damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, and large hail. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management — in coordination with local emergency managers, the National Weather Service, and state agencies — has activated preparedness measures to monitor the evolving forecast and ensure rapid response capabilities as storms develop.

“Today’s forecast calls for potentially dangerous storms across much of the Commonwealth,” Spanberger said in a statement. “As conditions can change rapidly, I encourage all Virginians to stay aware of the weather, review safety tips, and be prepared to take shelter from severe storms. Virginians can stay informed to help protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Preparedness Tips for Virginians:

“This is one of the most elevated severe weather risk days in several years,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Chuck Bell said.

"Expect multiple rounds of strong to severe storms today with the front crossing this evening. Have a way to get warnings," the National Weather Service said.

A first round of storms could affect areas west and then north of D.C. between 11 a.m and 1 p.m.; a few could be severe, The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang said Monday. The greatest concern is a probable line of strong to severe storms between 3 and 6 p.m. capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes.

Strong storms may continue into the evening, especially east of Interstate 95, with a damaging wind and tornado threat, the Post said. Top wind gusts could hit 80 mph. Rain is expected to wrap up between 8 and 10 p.m., when the system sends temperatures crashing and rain may switch to snow between 10 p.m. and midnight.

"Meteorologists are sounding the alarm for a widespread multiday severe risk stretching across the central and eastern United States from Sunday afternoon into Monday," Accuweather said. "Over a dozen states will be at risk for severe thunderstorms."

As thunderstorms move eastward toward the Eastern Seaboard, so will the risk of severe weather. At least 'some' risk for severe thunderstorms is expected from Florida to New York, the private weather service said. AccuWeather meteorologists have upgraded the risk to high from just north of Baltimore to Columbia, South Carolina.

Commuting Concerns

During the day on Monday, heavy rain and winds could cause problems on roads and airports.

"Downpours reducing visibility and causing ponding on roadways can also impact the [Monday] evening commute," Accuweather said. "Ground stops can also occur at airports throughout the region."

Forecasters also warned that a "March Megastorm" — which is expected to bring blizzard conditions to the Midwest on Monday — will likely impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

"Wind gusts of 40-60 mph are expected across the central and eastern U.S. Sunday and Monday, from New Mexico to Maine," they say. "These winds alone can create hazardous travel for high-profile vehicles and may bring down tree limbs and power lines, especially in areas already weakened by recent storms."

Snow Later

The cold front may lead to snowfall on Monday night as temperatures drop into the upper 20 and low 30s. There's an 80 percent chance of snow in Maryland, but it should only amount to a half inch or less, the NWS says.

Temperatures will fall drastically, with a daytime high of 71 degrees expected on Monday, but only a high of 41 on Tuesday. Daytime highs will reach the low-60s by the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service.

Here's the Northern Virginia forecast for the week ahead from the National Weather Service:

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Some of the storms could be severe. High near 71. Breezy, with a south wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and midnight. Some of the storms could be severe. Low around 29. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday: Increasing clouds, with a high near 41. West wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 53.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

Alexandria and the rest of the D.C. region braced for severe thunderstorms today (Monday), but the tornado threat has declined. The National Weather Service has canceled the tornado watch for Alexandria as of 3:29 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center now expects a slight to enhanced risk level from storms in the region. That’s down from the moderate risk level predicted earlier.

Despite the diminished tornado risk, the National Weather Service said a new round of thunderstorms and gusty rain are on the way to the region in the late afternoon and evening.

In a video update to constituents Monday morning, Mayor Alyia Gaskins said city officials were monitoring the potential for damaging winds, possible tornadoes and minor tidal flooding in Alexandria.

The severe storm threat should dissipate after 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. as it advances east, according to the Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang. However, rain will continue, possibly mixed with sleet and wet snow north and west of the Beltway, until midnight. Daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s will plummet to the high 20s and low 30s overnight.

Gaskins said the city’s Office of Emergency Management was preparing for the storms through briefings with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and National Weather Service, as well as mobilizing crews and emergency communications. The mayor encourages residents to follow the city’s social media pages or eNews alerts to find updates during the storm.

Dominion Energy mobilized crews to respond to outages. If power outages occur, crews will first prioritize restorations at hospitals, water treatment facilities, other urgent community services and areas with the most outages.

Outages can be reported to Dominion Energy online, by calling 1-866-366-4357 or using the Dominion Energy app.

To report debris, fallen traffic signals, flooding and other non-emergencies, residents can use the Alex 311 portal or call 703-746-4311. After 7 p.m., reports may be directed to 703-746-4444. Emergencies should be reported to 911.

Numerous city services announced early closings. Alexandria City Public Schools released students two hours early in preparation for the severe weather. The Alexandria Health Department is closed, and Alexandria courts closed at 1 p.m. Programs and rentals from 2 p.m. to closing at recreation centers aree cancelled.

City Council’s “Livable, Green, & Prospering” budget work session has been rescheduled to Wednesday (March 18). Other canceled meetings include the Transportation & Environmental Services Environmental Policy Commission meeting, Commission on Aging Housing Committee meeting, Board of Zoning Appeals public hearing and Social Services Advisory Board meeting.

Metro said it will hold trains at stations until conditions improve if sustained winds reach 65 mph. Metrobus service may also be suspended in areas with an active tornado warning.

DASH Bus expects minimal disruptions to service but says it will temporary suspend service in the event of a tornado warning.

Forecasts call for heavy rains, a tornado threat, 75 mph winds and even snow as a powerful storm aims for Northern Virginia on Monday.

Severe thunderstorms posing a threat of tornadoes, heavy rains, damaging winds with gusts up to 75 mph and an eventual change to snow are all possible Monday as a powerful storm moves into the D.C. region from Sunday night into Monday, forecasters say.

"Meteorologists are sounding the alarm for a widespread multiday severe risk stretching across the central and eastern United States from Sunday afternoon into Monday," Accuweather said. "Over a dozen states will be at risk for severe thunderstorms."

As thunderstorms move eastward toward the Eastern Seaboard, so will the risk of severe weather. At least some risk for severe thunderstorms is expected from Florida to New York, the private weather service said. AccuWeather meteorologists have upgraded the risk to high from just north of Baltimore to Columbia, South Carolina.

Rain will fall overnight into early Monday morning, dumping as much as inch on parts of the state, the National Weather Service said.

"The storms’ timing still needs to be pinned down, but they are most probable between about 1 and 7 p.m. Monday, when an organized and violent squall line is expected to pass," the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang forecast. "That said, widely scattered showers and storms, some of which could be intense, are possible before this window, as early as 9 or 10 a.m. Rain is expected to linger after the most intense storms pass in the evening."

Commuting Concerns

During the day on Monday, heavy rain and winds could cause problems on roads and airports.

"Downpours reducing visibility and causing ponding on roadways can also impact the [Monday] evening commute," Accuweather said. "Ground stops can also occur at airports throughout the region."

Forecasters also warned that a "March Megastorm" — which is expected to bring blizzard conditions to the Midwest on Monday — will likely impact the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

"Wind gusts of 40-60 mph are expected across the central and eastern U.S. Sunday and Monday, from New Mexico to Maine," they say. "These winds alone can create hazardous travel for high-profile vehicles and may bring down tree limbs and power lines, especially in areas already weakened by recent storms."

Snow Later

The cold front may lead to snowfall on Monday night as temperatures drop into the upper 20 and low 30s. There's an 80 percent chance of snow in northern Virginia, but it should only amount to a half inch or less, the NWS says.

Temperatures will fall drastically, with a daytime high of 70 degrees expected on Monday, but only a high of 38 on Tuesday. Daytime highs will reach the upper-50s by the end of the week, according to the National Weather Service.

Here's the Virginia forecast for the week ahead from the National Weather Service:

Sunday Afternoon: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Southeast wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Sunday Night: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 5am. Low around 53. Southeast wind 15 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 3pm. Cloudy, with a high near 71. Breezy, with a south wind 17 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday Night: Rain showers, mixing with snow after 11pm, then gradually ending. Some thunder is also possible. Low around 28. Blustery, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. West wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 51.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

Whether you’re gathering with family after morning services or simply looking for an excuse to linger over mimosas and pancakes, Easter brunch is one of the season’s most delicious traditions. Across Northern Virginia, restaurants are rolling out special menus, festive buffets and even visits from the Easter Bunny. From waterfront dining to family-style feasts, here are some of the best places to celebrate.

Alexandria

Families can kick off Easter weekend with Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on April 4 and 5 at 8 a.m. The festive morning includes photos with the bunny, an Easter egg hunt and basket-making for kids, plus a family-style breakfast and mimosas for adults. 1800A Diagonal Rd., Alexandria

Ada’s on the River’s seasonal standouts include South African lobster benedict with butter-poached lobster, poached eggs and crème fraîche, as well as a decadent Croque Madame layered with prosciutto cotto, brioche and a rich pecorino-gruyère béchamel. Don’t skip dessert: the carrot cake topped with cream cheese mousse and candied pecans is a holiday favorite. 3 Pioneer Mill Way, Alexandria

Arlington

Celebrate Easter with Italian spring flavors at Sfoglina. Specials include burrata primavera with grilled peas, asparagus, and pesto Genovese; Sicilian busiate alla Trapanese with Key West shrimp, tomato pesto, and almonds; and grilled rack of lamb served with spring vegetable cacciatore and mint aioli. Finish with a festive pistachio Easter dessert featuring lemon-vanilla sponge and yuzu curd. Specials are available April 3 and 4. Sfoglina Rosslyn, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington

Celebrate Easter in style with Santé’s elegant brunch buffet, complete with live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Guests can enjoy a raw bar, carving stations, hot dishes and desserts alongside brunch cocktails. Seating runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and reservations include a Champagne toast and complimentary valet parking. 1250 S. Hayes St., Arlington

Clifton

At Trummer’s American Bistro, guests can choose from five appetizers, five entrées, and three indulgent desserts. Starters include dishes such as roasted carrot soup, stuffed potato dumpling and baked oysters, while entrée options range from pan-seared swordfish to slow-roasted pork shoulder and stuffed lamb. $79 per guest; $30 for children, with a kids’ menu available. $79 per guest, $30 for children, with a kids’ menu available, 7134 Main St., Clifton

Falls Church

Chef Bertrand Chemel is offering a three-course prix fixe menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and elegant holiday classics. Start with options such as Faroe Island salmon tartare with yuzu nage, seafood lumache pasta with shrimp and Manila clams, or jumbo white asparagus with black truffle. Entrées include dishes like Australian lamb duo with braised shank Bourguignon, Chilean sea bass with San Marzano beurre blanc and grilled Braveheart rib-eye with Rossini jus. $105. 2941 Fairview Park Dr., Falls Church

Great Falls

L’Auberge Chez Francois’ prix fixe menu begins with a corbeille de pain and amuse-bouche, followed by a choice of appetizers, La Salade de l’Auberge, and the restaurant’s signature housemade sorbet. Guests then select a main course and dessert, ending the meal with mignardises — housemade chocolate truffles. Seatings are at 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. $130–$150 for adults; children’s menu (under 12) $75. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls

McLean

ENTYSE’s lavish Easter buffet features everything from roasted lamb and artisanal salads to decadent desserts. Guests can enjoy live jazz, a children’s entertainment area and a portrait station to capture the holiday moment. 1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean

Reston

Davio’s Easter brunch features seasonal specialties alongside the restaurant’s full dinner menu available throughout the day. It’s an ideal choice for those craving Italian flavors and classic steakhouse dishes in a celebratory setting. Enjoy specialties like tiramisu French toast, short rib hash, poached eggs with lump crab benedict and more. 1900 Reston Metro Plz., Reston

Sterling

Brasserie Royale opens at 10:30 a.m. for Easter brunch, serving its full lunch menu alongside specials such as a lobster omelet with creamy spinach, brioche French toast with Suzette sauce and steak and eggs with béarnaise. Pair it with a Kir Royale or French 75. 46290 Cranston St., Sterling

Local Provisions will open at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday, offering its full lunch menu along with brunch specials such as a green chili scramble with bacon and labneh, French toast with mascarpone and berries, and a French omelet with Boursin and lump crab. Mimosas and bloody marys round out the festive spread. 46286 Cranston St., Sterling

Doors open early at 8 a.m. for Easter weekend brunch at Ms. Peach’s, where Southern comfort favorites take center stage. Expect dishes like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and peach cobbler pancakes served family-style for a celebratory holiday meal. 20789 Great Falls Plz., Ste. 176, Sterling

Feature image courtesy Santé

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Professional employees who work for the City of Alexandria, Va., voted overwhelmingly to unionize with AFSCME District Council 20. The historic vote — 155 to one — ensures these essential workers have a collective voice on critical workplace issues such as wages, benefits and working conditions.

With this resounding victory, all eligible Alexandria employees are now unionized, marking a significant milestone for public employees in the region.

"Winning this is not just a victory for one person, it's a victory for every worker who believes in fairness and respect,” said Tia Littlejohn-Adams, an accountant for the city. “Together, we didn't just campaign, we built unity among members and colleagues."

This victory means that five out of five eligible bargaining units in Alexandria have filed and won their union representation elections since 2021, three of which are AFSCME-represented units.

They include workers in labor and trade, administrative and technical roles, and, now, professionals. These new members look forward to building on the successes their fellow AFSCME members in the city have achieved since organizing.

Jared Alves, an urban planner for the city, said his colleagues are ready to utilize the collective voice of their union.

“This resounding vote for our union signals that Alexandria professionals know that we are stronger together,” he said. “Now let's turn this victory into action!”

Alexandria labor and trade employees reached a historic first contract with the city in 2023 that guaranteed raises and established a step-and-grade pay schedule, among other victories. The administrative and technical employees won real, tangible gains in contract negotiations for them and their families. They ratified their contract in 2025 with 100% of employees voting in favor.

Steve Frutos, a senior therapist in the Department of Community & Human Services, underscores the victory as an opportunity to not just build a better workplace but a stronger city.

“It's long overdue to have a real voice in how we do our vital work for the residents of Alexandria,” Frutos said. “Our ultimate goal is to create a more effective workplace in order to do our best for them. The more we can achieve as a union, the more our city stands to gain.”

With this vote, Alexandria’s professional workers will now prepare to negotiate their first union contract, focusing on fair wages, improved benefits and a more transparent workplace.