Forecasters say the region should prepare for severe storms with potentially damaging wind, hail, and possibly even isolated tornadoes beginning around 4 p.m. today.

While locals are used to summer storms, this one appears to be more serious: The National Weather Services issued a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms in the D.C. area today for the first time since 2013. The area is most at risk between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

A tornado watch for parts of the region is also in effect until 9 p.m. A watch means there’s a potential for tornados due to extreme weather conditions.  It’s not a guarantee, but residents should stay on alert.

Chris Strong of the National Weather Service underscored the severity of today’s weather in a press conference on Facebook, broadcast live.

“Everybody needs to be aware of this because this is not a normal storm situation that we have here in the mid-Atlantic,” said Strong. “There is a very high potential to see some widespread wind damage across the entire mid-Atlantic. Some places, worse than others. There’s also the potential to see some tornadoes with this event.”

Strong recommends being indoors at a safe location ahead of the storm hitting. He says you do not want to get caught traveling or driving during this storm. If you hear thunder roar, make sure to head indoors.

What else can you do to stay safe?

• Monitor forecasts (like the regional National Weather Service on its website or social media)
• Charge electronic devices now, particularly your cell phone, to have at the ready in case of a power outage
• Avoid parking near large trees
• If there’s a tornado warning, go into a room and stay away from windows.

Forecasters say to be prepared to lose power or face road closures. During the last severe storm (just over a week ago) thousands of locals lost power. Plus, many streets were closed due to fallen trees and clean-up efforts.

Closures have already begun in anticipation of the storm, including the Smithsonian museums and D.C. public libraries.