UPDATE (4:27 p.m.): NWS retired the tornado watch and added a flash flood watch until 8 p.m.

Bad weather is headed our way and the National Weather Service predicts it will likely hit the region Tuesday afternoon.

A tornado watch, meaning there is a potential for tornadoes to develop, is in effect for Fairfax County and the entire metro region until 7 p.m.

"Showers and thunderstorms are expected along and ahead of a cold front through this evening. Heavy downpours could lead to localized flash flooding. In addition...some thunderstorms may be severe and produce damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes," the NWS's hazardous weather outlook reports. "The most likely time for severe weather looks to be from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m."

The Weather Channel offers several useful tips for driving during a storm, including these:

• Tune into the radio for weather updates
• Allow more distance between cars for braking
• Do not try to outrun a tornado if you spot one
• Drive slowly with your headlights on

Check Patch for weather updates throughout the day.