Thunderstorms Expected Sunday Afternoon in Woodbridge Area

While Woodbridge will get some relief from the heat Sunday as temperatures drop back into the 90s, afternoon thunderstorms could bring strong storms, wind and rain to the area.

Weather.com predicts Sunday will begin partly sunny with a high near 97 and a heat index value of 110. Around 3 p.m., the beginning of a cold front pushing southward across the Mid-Atlantic will bring showers and thunderstorms, with a possibility of damaging wind, the National Weather Service said.

Some areas will see only a tenth of an inch of rainfall; in areas with thunderstorms, however, that amount will be greater.

The National Weather Service offers the following safety tips for thunderstorms:

• Monitor developing thunderstorms. The “Flash to Bang” method can help estimate your distance from lightning. If you see lightning, count the number of seconds until you hear thunder. Divide the number of seconds by five to get the distance in miles.
  
  
• If you can hear thunder, seek shelter.  Even if it is not raining, lightning can strike within 10 miles of an area that is experiencing rain.
  
  
• Stop all outdoor activities at the first clap of thunder to give yourself time to move indoors. Leaders of outdoor events should have a plan for moving participants inside.
  
  
• If you cannot go indoors, squat low to the ground to make yourself the smallest target possible. Go to a low-lying area and stay away from trees, poles and metal objects.
  
  
• Avoid electrical equipment, plumbing, windows and concrete floors and walls when indoors.
  
  
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone has been struck by lightning. People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge.

In the event of a power outage, residents are reminded to call 1-800-DOM-HELP.