Severe Weather Outbreak expected over the mid-Atlantic region between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. today, including the greater Baltimore/Washington D.C. metropolitan areas, according to the National Weather Service.

An outbreak of severe storms is expected this afternoon and evening, with numerous severe thunderstorms expected. There is a significant threat for damaging and locally destructive hurricane-force winds, along with the potential for large hail and tornadoes, even strong tornadoes, the statement said.

The timing of this outbreak varies with your location.

West of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can expect the storms to arrive between 12-3 p.m. East of the Blue Ridge Mountains, timing will be from 4-8 p.m.

The greater Baltimore/Washington metropolitan areas can expect the storms to arrive between 5-7 p.m.

Now is the time to review your severe weather safety procedures for the possibility of dangerous weather today, said NWS.

Do not be outdoors when the storms arrive.

"When you hear thunder, go indoors to a sturdy building or structure. While seeking shelter indoors, go to the lowest floor to an interior room. Stay away from windows. Those in mobile homes or weaker structures should plan ahead of time to shelter in a stronger shelter. Be prepared for extended power outages, and the potential for some roads to be blocked by fallen trees," the statement said.

National Weather Service: Tornado Warning

National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning at 2:45 p.m. for western Augusta and Highland counties in Virginia.

TORNADO WARNING: Tornado Warning til 5 p.m. Tornado watch throughout Virginia til 9 p.m. Monday.

National Weather Service: Tornado Watch

At 1:20 p.m. National Weather Service issued a tornado watch from 1:20 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, for counties and cities throughout Virginia.

Virginia counties include Albemarle, Amelia, Arlington, Amelia, Caroline, Chesterfield, Clarke, Culpeper, Cumberland, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Frederick, Goochland, Green, Hanover, Henrico, Highland, Kind, William, Loudoun, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Nottoway, Orange, Page, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Warren and Westmoreland.

Virginia cities include Alexandria, Charolottesville, Fairfax, Fall Church, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Richmond, Staunton and Waynesboro.

"If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued for your area, move to a place of safety, ideally in an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building," warned NWS.

For the after-event cleanup, do not go outside until 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder, otherwise you will be still susceptible to lightning strikes, said NWS. Be aware of downed power lines and unstable branches and trees.

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: National Weather Service: Special Weather Statement