Government orders federal employees to leave early amid D.C. storm warnings

The federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Monday ordered federal employees to leave work by 3:00 p.m. amid major storm warnings for Washington, D.C.

"Employees of Federal agencies in the Washington, DC area are authorized for Early Departure," the press release stated. "Employees should depart 2 hours earlier than their normal departure time and may request Unscheduled Leave to depart prior to their staggered departure time. All employees Must Depart no later than 3:00 at which time Federal offices are Closed."

The National Weather Service has announced that much of the Atlantic coast will face dangerous storms, including the capital city.

"Dangerous storms with widespread very strong winds, large hail and a few tornadoes are likely this afternoon and evening across parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Be sure to follow your local NWS Forecast Office for the latest forecasts and warnings," the NWS tweeted.

The Level 4 risk from the NWS for severe storms marks the first such warning in roughly a decade, the Washington Post reported. Washington is under a tornado watch until 9 p.m.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.