BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

Whatever preparations you make for severe weather - make them tonight. A powerful line of violent thunderstorms is expected to reach the Bethesda/DC area Wednesday afternoon. Heavy winds, strong lightning activity and heavy rainfall have the potential to cause damage and flooding across the region. This would be a good time to ensure your gas tank is at least half-full, balcony or outdoor furniture is secure or brought indoors, and to prepare for potential power outages.

This line of storms has already killed at least two people in the southern United States, and caused tremendous damage there. Stay tuned here and at @BethesdaRow on Twitter for updates.