WASHINGTON — Grab the rain gear and the costumes as head out. Wicked weather is heading to D.C. Metro on Halloween, bringing the chance for strong to severe storms. For some, they will impact trick-or-treat time. Others may be able to squeeze in trick-or-treating before the storms arrive.
Here is an overview of the storm threats, impacts and timeline.
Halloween Storm Timeline:
Now - 12 a.m. - Thunderstorms move through the D.C. metro and then track eastward into southern Maryland and the northern neck. Some could be strong to severe. Damaging winds and an isolated tornado are possible. There will be heavy rain.
12 a.m. to 2 a.m. - The last of the storms exit the area with some lingering showers. Turning windy and colder.
Below is a gallery of futurecast images showing you the timeline in motion.
Storm Threats & Impacts
Below is the outlook from the Storm Prediction Center. The D.C. metro is in an 'Enhanced' risk of severe weather, which is a level 3 out of 5 on the scale from S.P.C.. Our primary severe weather player will be damaging straight-line winds that could be in excess of 60 mph. An isolated tornado is also possible.
Outside of severe threats, heavy rain is likely and it will be windy. With saturated grounds and plenty of foliage on the trees, wind gusts around 40 mph will be enough to cause some trees to fall from the roots and topple over. This could cause isolated power outages.
Rain totals will be 1 to 2 inches. At times, it will be raining very heavily, which could be enough to cause some creek/stream and street flooding in areas with poor drainage. Some storm drains could be blocked with fallen leaves, adding to drainage issues.
Trick Or Treat Forecast
Over the mountains and west of D.C. showers will start around 5 p.m. For D.C. Metro the most active weather will be between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
If you're in the D.C. metro and you are insistent on still trick-or-treating, the earlier the better. Plan on being done with trick-or-treating by 6:30 in Montgomery and Fairfax counties and by 7:30 in D.C. For Prince Georges and east of I-95, you may be okay until after 8:00 p.m.
All of this timing is subject to change -- and it likely will change some tomorrow as we track the storms into the area.
Witchly Winds
Winds will get stronger for trick-or-treaters as the cold front pushes through.
On average, some gusts will be between 20 to 40 mph. In the mountains, gusts could be 30 to 50 mph.
With saturated grounds and gusty winds some trees may fall.
If you have little ones trick-or-treating, be extra cautious.
In addition, some Halloween decorations not secured well may blow away or fly around. Thursday night is not a good night to put the trash out.
