The 2001 tornado that hit D.C. Image courtesy of NOAA.

Update: The tornado watch has been called off. We’ve been saved from shutdownado.

After a week of unseasonably hot weather, the National Weather Service has placed the D.C. area under a tornado watch until 5 p.m. today.

A watch means a tornado is possible, while a warning means one is imminent. Allow the Capital Weather Gang to explain:

The combination of a strong cold front and low level spin in the atmosphere has primed the region for some gusty thunderstorms and perhaps a few tornadoes. The culprit is the same storm system – but in a weakened [form] – that produced up to four feet of snow in South Dakota, and a major tornado outbreak in Nebraska and Iowa.

As DCist associate editor Matt Cohen said on Twitter, “So, if there is indeed a tornado in D.C. today, would that make it a…SHUTDOWNADO?” The answer to that is, of course, yes but also no.

Fun reminder: The National Weather Service’s site has been deemed essential through a government shutdown, while other National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration properties are unavailable.

Due to the Federal Government shutdown, NOAA.gov and most associated web sites are unavailable. However, because the information this site provides is necessary to protect life and property, it will be updated and maintained during the Federal Government shutdown.