Washington DC tornado warning sees families told 'take cover now' in urgent alert

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning and flash flood alert for parts of the US - including Washington DC - and residents have been urged to take cover immediately and avoid travel.

Forecasters have issued a stark warning, predicting storms set to strike with damaging winds and flash flooding, expected to sweep eastward across eastern states and territories including Washington. The alert extends to possible tornadoes, particularly to the west of Delmarva near the I-95 corridor, where the atmosphere is primed for trouble.

Residents in Washington DC, Arlington, and Alexandria, Virginia need to brace themselves as a flash flood warning is in play as well. Weather experts are raising the alarm, as heavy storms threaten to unload torrential rainfall causing flash floods, especially in areas that are typically prone due to being low-lying or having poor drainage.

Motorists are urged to steer clear of submerged roads and seek elevated ground without delay should the situation deteriorate, reports the Mirror US.

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In their latest alert, the National Weather Service has declared a TORNADO WARNING for the area until 7:00 PM EDT. They are advising immediate safety measures, stating: "Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media."

They further stressed the urgency with the directive: "TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris."

In a grim reminder of nature's force, flash floods in Texas previously claimed at least 104 lives. A poignant candlelight vigil was held in San Antonio, Texas, on Monday night to remember the victims of the devastating flash floods that swept through the state over the Fourth of July weekend.

The disaster took the lives of more than 100 people, including numerous children attending summer camps along the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Heartbroken families and community members gathered in silence, honouring those lost in what has become one of the most lethal weather events in Texas in recent years.

"We stand in solidarity with our neighbours across Texas, especially in times of tragedy and loss," Centro stated on Instagram.

"Unity isn't just for times of celebration; it's essential during times of hardship."

The destruction caused by the flash floods along the Guadalupe River, just outside San Antonio, has sparked a large-scale search operation, as questions arise about the authorities' readiness and response time.

Friday's heavy rainfall dumped a month's worth of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming the region and taking over 100 lives. Many of the victims were children from nearby summer camps.

With further rain predicted for Monday, officials have warned that the flood risk remains perilously high in already saturated areas of central Texas. Emergency teams continue to search for the missing, while communities prepare for the potential of additional flooding.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and keep an eye on updates as the situation unfolds. Keep alert for more updates as the storms continue to evolve.