Wicked winds, severe storms to wreak havoc in US, forcing school closures  and even Congress to cancel votes

A severe storm system — including damaging winds, thunderstorms and a potential for tornadoes — is threatening to wallop the Washington, DC, area Monday afternoon, with school closures already planned and Congress nixing votes.

Several school districts in the nation’s capital announced closures or early dismissals for students after the National Weather Service warned wind gusts as high as 80 mph and tornadoes could pummel the region through Monday night.

A strong cold front treks eastward during the night, creating a line of lightning-packed severe thunderstorms spanning from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. @CIRA_CSU/X

Congress also informed lawmakers that any votes for Monday would no longer be expended due to the widespread flight delays caused by the wild weather.

“The House GOP leadership have made the following change to the House Floor schedule: Members are advised that, due to widespread flight delays related to inclement weather, votes are no longer expected in the House on Monday,” Democratic Whip Katherine Clark fired off in an alert to congressmembers.

The brunt of the storm is due to lash the region and beyond between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.
AccuWeather meteorologists warned that wind gusts could reach as high as 80 mph in parts of DC, Virginia and North Carolina.

A man struggles to keep his umbrella from getting blown in high winds on Water and Broad Streets in Manhattan, Monday, March 16, 2026. Robert Mecea for New York Post

“A few tornadoes, including the possibility of an especially intense tornado, cannot be ruled out, especially from near the Baltimore and Washington, DC, metro areas through Virginia and into North Carolina,” AccuWeather chief meteorologist Jon Porter said.