WASHINGTON — Rain, storms and winds moved through the D.C. area late Monday night. Tuesday looks mostly dry. Here's a look at how it all happened. This story is no longer being updated.
Severe weather moved through the D.C. region on Memorial Day, causing a Tornado Watch for most of the D.C. area and a Tornado Warning for some Maryland counties, including Prince George's County.
A Weather Watch Alert was issued for strong to severe storms Monday evening until 11 p.m. Residents could see damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, frequent thunder and lightning, and isolated tornadoes.
Power Outages:
As of 10:50 p.m., according to Pepco's outage map, just more than 600 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 Odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas from gas-fueled heaters and generators can build up, resulting in injuries or even death.
Damages:
In Montgomery County, a transformer blew on Lloyd Road between Glen Mill Road and Betteker Lane. Multiple wires are down, as well as several trees. Montgomery County Fire Spokesperson Pete Piringer said power was out in the neighborhood.
Piringer also reports that a tree and wires are down in the 9700 block of Connecticut Avenue near Saul Road.
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:
In Prince George's County, road closures were put into place due to flooding conditions and downed power lines:
- Riggs Road from University Boulevard to Chapman Road
- Intersection of New Hampshire Avenue at University Boulevard
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.
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