High Winds, Cold Blow In Overnight

Warnings of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes have expired in the D.C. area, but meteorologists warn of strong gusts of wind through Saturday along with dramatic drops in temperature as an area of low pressure brings a cold front into the region.

The low-pressure system triggered some severe thunderstorms capable of quarter-size hail, 60 mph winds and frequent lightning strikes, reports NBC Washington.

The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Charles. St. Mary's, Prince George's, and Anne Arundel counties through 3:45 p.m., 

Forecasters says wind gusts of 20-30 mph blew through the region starting around 3 p.m. NWS had initially issued a wind watch but later upgraded it to a wind warning.

The advisory begins at 3 p.m. and is expected to last until midnight. NWS is advising people to secure loose items outdoors that could be blown away by high winds. Some tree damage and power outages are possible as a result of the severe weather.

Severe thunderstorms, and possibly even tornadoes, are possible this afternoon and evening. NBC Washington meteorologist Chuck Bell is advising area residents to keep their eyes on the sky: basically, the sunnier it is where you are this afternoon, the more likely you're about to get caught in a storm.

The winds will also go along with rapidly changing temperatures, according to the NBC Washington's weather team. High temperatures today will be in the 70s, but temperatures are expected to be in the 30s by Saturday morning. High winds are expected to remain through much of the day Saturday.