WASHINGTON — We are under a Weather Watch Alert Monday morning as rain from a Sunday storm lingers into Monday morning. The strongest winds will blow from 8 a.m. Monday to 2 p.m. Monday with gusts of up to 50 mph possible.
A Wind Advisory has been issued for much of the DMV on Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wind was already an issue Monday morning, as it downed trees and knocked out power to thousands of customers in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Here's the latest.
Power Outages:
As of 9 a.m., according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, more than 6,500 customers are without power. Pepco's outage map shows more than 1,400 customers are without power in D.C. and Maryland.
There is no word at this time on when power may be restored.
A power outage can be caused by a myriad of things but it is important to be as prepared as you possibly can, especially during severe weather. Extended power outages can impact everyone from a home to an entire community. It can cause issues with communication, prevent the use of medical devices, impact access to water and cause food to spoil while grocery stores may be closed.
Dominion Energy says residents should not connect any portable generators to a home's electrical system. Under no circumstances should you ever bring a generator into your home in order to create heat. Odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas from gas-fueled heaters and generators can build up, resulting in injuries or even death.
Damages:
Utilities crews were called to the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue Northwest and Upton Street Northwest because of a downed tree. A large tree was knocked down due to rain and wind Monday morning.
The tree came down in the front yard of a house on the corner. The homeowner told WUSA9 that they did not even realize the tree came down until he woke up. Luckily, the homeowner reported little damages or injuries due to the drowned tree.
Crews were on scene Monday working to clear the tree from the roadway. Some lanes were blocked Monday morning for the tree work.
A downed tree also blocked train tracks at the Garrett Park Train Station Monday morning.
In Fairfax County, Route 50 at Cedar Lane was closed due to a large tree down and powerlines in the road around 9:45 a.m.
It is important to know how to prepare and stay safe during severe weather. There are several ways you can make sure you are ready.
- High winds regularly down trees and heavy branches in the DMV region, so avoid standing or walking under tree canopies.
- Be supplied: Have medical equipment, medical supplies or any critical medications on hand and enough for 5-7 days.
- Figure out how and where everyone will meet up with each other if you get separated.
- Sign up for text alerts/weather warnings that may be offered by your locality.
- Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could cause damage.
Traffic Alerts:
Turn around, don't drown. Flooding closed some road in the region Monday morning.
Monday morning, Beach Drive was closed between Woodbine Street and Leleand Street due to flooding. Also, authorities reported Canal Road Northwest after Reservoir Road in Northwest D.C. had lanes blocked due to downed trees and downed wires.
Additionally, firefighters had to rescue a driver who got stranded in flood waters Monday morning. Authorities say Hawlings River overflowed due to rain. Firefighters say several vehicles were trapped by the water Monday morning around 4:30 a.m. One person had to be pulled from their car.
Brighton Dam Road was closed between the 1700 block and Bordley drive, according to Montgomery County Police. Drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes if possible.
RELATED: 'Turn around don't drown' | Authorities rescue stranded driver after getting stuck in floodwaters
Montgomery County firefighters said a truck drove over live powerlines in the 1700 block of Pumphrey Lane near Good Hope Road. Pete Piringer, a public information officer with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, said the wires became tangled in the truck tires and wheel well. Piringer said the driver was able to make it out safely.
If you cannot stay home, AAA suggests drivers always check weather conditions before heading out. Drivers should always travel with a full tank of gas, a fully charged cell phone and wear a seatbelt.
If traffic signals are not working because a power outage, you must stop at the intersection and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching cars, bikes or pedestrians have stopped. Treat a blacked-out traffic signal as a four-way stop intersection.
While driving on black ice, people should proceed slowly and smoothly. AAA says to avoid any sudden acceleration, braking and steering. If you have antilock brakes, use steady pressure - don't pump.
If you get stuck in snow or ice, AAA suggests straightening the wheel and accelerating slowly. Try adding sand, traction mats or cat litter under the drive wheels to avoid spinning tires.
AAA recommends that all drivers make sure they have an emergency kit ready for any winter weather. Items to have in your car include:
- Snow shovel
- Scraper or de-icer
- Extra blankets
- Warm clothing
- Water
- Snacks
- Extra medications.
And: Always travel with a full tank of gas.
Closures/Cancellations
As of 7:30 a.m., no school closures, delays or cancellations have been reported due to Monday's weather.