WASHINGTON (CBSDC) — The Washington area is dealing with a dose of sever weather.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for the entire region until 7 p.m.

Heavy rains and strong winds are expected to leave some residents without power.

The storm began pelting the area early Tuesday afternoon and is expected to last into the night.

“At the very least you’re going to see some big time winds,” said 9News Now Chief Meteorologist Topper Shutt.

Residents in the Bloomingdale neighborhood of the District are busy piling sandbags in front of their homes to prevent flooding.

A complete list of watches and warnings is available on the CBS DC weather page where you can also track the storm on doppler radar.

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