WASHINGTON — Power outages, slick roads and rush-hour traffic jams hit the DMV Monday afternoon and early evening as strong storms swept through much of the region. Damaging winds and larger hail are the biggest threats.
According to WUSA9 Meteorologist Kaitlyn McGrath, the storm picked up speed and strength just after 4 p.m. and began producing wind gusts up to 70 mph and small hail.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect through 9 p.m., with some scattered warnings popping up as well.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are currently in effect for: D.C., Charles, Prince George's, Prince William, St. Mary's, Anne Arundel and Calvert counties.
Power Outages:
As of 9 p.m., according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, nearly 12,800 customers are without power. 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:
According to Prince William County Fire, a tree fell into a home in Manassas, causing a partial collapse of the top floor of the home. Another large tree was uprooted and resting on a Woodbridge house's roof on Mulberry Court.
No injuries have been reported.
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:
A downed tree has caused a road closure near the Manassas intersection of Davis Ford Road. & Occoquan Oakes Drive.
Several trees also fell near the south end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, south of Old Town Alexandria. The roadway is open but traffic is moving slowly as crews work to remove the 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.
Peggy Fox with Dominion Energy gives tips for how to stay safe.