Capital Weather Gang
‘Potentially dangerous severe weather event’ predicted for Washington region Halloween night

By Jason Samenow and Matthew Cappucci
October 31 at 12:14 PM

An intense line of storms is expected to barge through the Washington region Halloween night. The squall line is likely to arrive suddenly, with a burst of rain and strong to even damaging winds. A few brief tornadoes are not out of the question.

“All the ingredients remain in place for a potentially dangerous severe weather event tonight," wrote the National Weather Service office serving the Washington region.

Models are in reasonably good agreement that these storms will reach the Washington region after dark, between 7 and 11 p.m. from west to east. For Halloween trick-or-treaters, the safest plan of action is to be home by dark, especially if you live west of Interstate 95. For anyone staying out after dark, have a safe place to seek shelter quickly, if needed.




Capital Weather Gang
‘Potentially dangerous severe weather event’ predicted for Washington region Halloween night

HRRR model radar projection of squall line coming through the region Halloween evening.
By Jason Samenow and
Matthew CappucciOctober 31 at 12:14 PM
An intense line of storms is expected to barge through the Washington region Halloween night. The squall line is likely to arrive suddenly, with a burst of rain and strong to even damaging winds. A few brief tornadoes are not out of the question.

“All the ingredients remain in place for a potentially dangerous severe weather event tonight," wrote the National Weather Service office serving the Washington region.

Models are in reasonably good agreement that these storms will reach the Washington region after dark, between 7 and 11 p.m. from west to east. For Halloween trick-or-treaters, the safest plan of action is to be home by dark, especially if you live west of Interstate 95. For anyone staying out after dark, have a safe place to seek shelter quickly, if needed.


Here is our best estimate on storm arrival times, by area:

• Interstate 81: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Frederick, Loudoun and Fauquier counties: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Howard, Montgomery, Fairfax, Prince William and Stafford counties: 8 to 9:30 p.m.
• Interstate 95, the District, the Beltway, Prince George’s and Charles counties: 8:30 to 10:00 p.m.
• Anne Arundel and Calvert counties: 9:30 to 11 p.m.

Estimate of approximate timing of storms from National Weather Service. We believe this is a reasonable prediction. (National Weather Service)
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Jason Samenow is The Washington Post’s weather editor and Capital Weather Gang's chief meteorologist. He earned a master's degree in atmospheric science and spent 10 years as a climate change science analyst for the U.S. government. He holds the Digital Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association. Follow https://twitter.com/capitalweather

Matthew Cappucci is a meteorologist for Capital Weather Gang. He earned a B.A. in atmospheric sciences from Harvard University in 2019, and has contributed to The Washington Post since he was 18. He is an avid storm chaser and adventurer, and covers all types of weather, climate science, and astronomy. Follow https://twitter.com/MatthewCappucci