WASHINGTON — Clean-up efforts are set to begin Thursday morning after severe weather and storms caused havoc across the D.C. region Wednesday evening. The heavy rain caused flash flooding, power outages, downed trees and a fire caused by a lightning strike on Wednesday.
A few showers and storms will linger overnight but with no heavy downpours. It will be warm but less humid Thursday with an a.m. shower or storm possible.
Here's a recap on Wednesday's severe weather as it happened.
Power Outages:
As of 11:30 p.m., according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, nearly 4,500 customers are without power. Pepco's outage map shows about 144 outages in D.C. and Maryland -- down significantly from the 3,400 earlier this evening.
There is no word at this time on when the rest of the outages 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 and Rescues:
5 p.m.
- Prince George's County Fire crews were dispatched to a two-story house in the 4400 block of Saint Gregory Way in Accokeek for a reported fire as a result of a lightning strike. Crews on the scene found smoke showing from the roof and fire in the attic as a result. Residents were able to successfully self-evacuate.
5:30 p.m.
- Roads flooded across Northeast D.C.
- D.C. crews performed a successful water rescue in the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE after an occupied car was stuck in high water. The victim was removed and set to be evaluated by EMS.
- Commuters captured flooding inside WMATA South Capitol Metro station. WMATA has not confirmed any interruptions to service as a result. However, there is currently a Green line delay due to a switch malfunction.
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 and Delays:
5 p.m.
- Herndon Parkway has closed in both directions at Palmer Drive due to an accident. Power lines are down and police advise the public to find an alternate route.
6 p.m.
- Three lanes of a Prince George's County highway are blocked on the I-95/495 Northbound Outer Loop past MD-450 (Exit 20/Annapolis Road). Delays are currently, approximately four miles.
7 p.m.
- Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains are back on the move but may encounter additional delays due to track congestion. As of 6 p.m., Train 307 was delayed by 25 minutes. Train 329 was facing delays of 20 minutes. Train 336 also faced 25-minute delays.
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 of 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.