WASHINGTON — This story is no longer being updated. Here's a recap of Thursday's storms as they happened.
A WUSA9 Yellow Weather Alert was issued as another round of severe weather moves through the DMV Thursday evening.
Most of the Metro area saw severe weather watches and warnings. A Flash Flood Warning was put in place for Alexandria and Fairfax, while a Flood Watch was issued in D.C.
Power Outages:
As of 11 p.m., according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, nearly 19,300 customers are without power. Pepco's outage map shows more than 500 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 myriad 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 single 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.
Damage:
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:
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.
AAA recommends that all drivers make sure they have an emergency kit ready for any weather. Items to have in your car include:
- Water
- Snacks
- Extra medications.
And: Always travel with a full tank of gas.
Peggy Fox with Dominion Energy gives tips for how to stay safe.