This just in for your rush hour fun: the whole Washington area is under a tornado watch. “Those only happen in the Midwest,” you say? Didn’t you know you were reading Tulsaist?

The National Weather Service has all the details on this evening’s weather watch, which will last until midnight. If you want to see the storm for yourself, take a look at the radar image on CapitalWeather.com’s front page.

The region has a history of some nasty twisters, including a freak F4 tornado that hit La Plata, Maryland in 2002. As such, it would prove wise to keep an eye on the sky and an ear tuned into local radio or TV. Beware of those ClearChannel stations, though, as they’re happy to feed you Bubba Sparxxx and The Pussycat Dolls while a tornado rolls up your street (or if a train full of ammonia derails in your town).

Drive, bike, or walk safely on your way home, tonight. Remember, if you do see a tornado, please make your way to the nearest drainage ditch or other such low point, keeping in mind that it may be behind you.

Picture taken by Sister 72.