WASHINGTON — Power has mostly been restored after severe thunderstorms rolled through D.C., Maryland and Virginia on Monday. The severe weather caused the National Weather Service to issue several tornado warnings throughout the evening.
Earlier in the day, tornado watches were posted across 10 states, from Tennessee to New York. But the National Weather Service said the area of greatest concern centered in the Washington-Baltimore region.
The WUSA9 Weather Team issued a Weather Watch Alert Monday and several areas faced tornado warnings and damaging winds.
The storm had cleared out by Tuesday morning, but a lengthy clean-up process is now underway.
Gov. Wes Moore was joined by several Maryland officials as he went to survey the storm damage in Carroll County.
Moore and others commended the efforts of first responders after severe storms caused significant damage to both directions of MD 140 between Gorsuch Road and Market Street, taking down approximately 20 electric poles.
Officials say 33 adults and 14 children were trapped inside their vehicles on the highway for some time as fallen live lines posed a potential electrocution hazard.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported and crews were able to de-energize the power lines.
“This is Maryland at its best – all of us coming together, working as one team, with one mission,” said Gov. Moore. “To all the families impacted, I thank you for your courage and strength – and please know that we are here to support you. It will take time to fix the damage from last night – but we are going to stay coordinated, we are going to stay focused, and we are going to get this done.”
Gov. Wes Moore surveys storm damage in Carroll County
Power Outages:
As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, about 356 customers are without power across Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.
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. Odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas from gas-fueled heaters and generators can build up, resulting in injuries or even death.
Ground Stops At All DMV Airports
Reagan National Airport (DCA), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and Dulles International Airport (IAD) were all placed under a ground stop due to thunderstorms.
According to the National Business Aviation Association, a ground stop is implemented when air traffic control is unable to safely accommodate aircraft. They are most commonly used in cases of severe weather, major equipment outages and catastrophic events.
As of 10 p.m. the FAA reports all three airports are no longer under ground stops. Several flights were delayed or canceled due to the weather.
Closures & Delays
Alexandria County Public Schools has canceled all afternoon and evening activities scheduled at any school facilities due to the severe weather.
The cancellation applies to all programming hosted by community organizations or the City of Alexandria in ACPS facilities or on school grounds, as well as any ACPS athletic, band or other extracurricular activities or community events.
"The safety and security of our students and staff are of utmost priority for ACPS," said Erika Gulick the Executive Director of Facilities.
With storms moving into the area, the Office Personnel Management has released federal employees from work early ahead of storms.
Nationals Park said it would monitor weather conditions throughout the day ahead of a performance by Pink.
Crews monitored and assessed the weather. The singer took the stage around 9:15 p.m., hours after the concert was originally scheduled to begin.
Damages:
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue tweeted just before 6 p.m. that crews have received numerous calls for downed wires as storms roll through the area.
"Remember downed wires can be extremely dangerous," the agency tweeted. "They can energize other objects, including fences, cars/trucks, buildings, bushes and trees, and telephone/cable TV cables. Assume all downed power lines are live and dangerous!"
As of 5:54 p.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue are working 12 outside fire calls, mostly involving downed trees and wires.
Pete Piringer, spokesman for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue reported at 5:41 p.m. that multiple trees and wires are down in the area of Peachtree Road and Old Hundred Road in Clarksburg.
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:
Park Police have closed Sligo Creek Parkway and Beach Drive due to risk of flooding and downed trees.
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.
For those taking Metro, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has deployed additional resources to respond to weather-related issues. Shortly before 6:30 p.m., Metro said trains are being held at some stations and bus service is delayed on some routes due to the severe weather.
"If you must travel, please use caution, avoid rushing for trains or buses, use handrails for stability, and allow additional travel time. In the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning or worsening conditions, seek shelter immediately," Metro said in a release Monday evening.
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) reported just before 6 p.m. that due to the storms, trains would be be permitted to travel faster than 20 miles per hour on portions of CSX until further notice.
"This currently affects VRE trains between Union Station and the Rippon Station area. Manassas Line trains are still being held south of Alexandria," VRE said.