WASHINGTON — Heavy rain and strong winds overtook the DMV Saturday as a cold front swept across the region.
Several areas saw downed trees and power lines.
A tornado watch was issued for Culpeper County Saturday afternoon.
At 6 p.m., WUSA9 Meteorologist Makayla Lucero announced our severe weather threat is expected to diminish over the next few hours.
Check out a breakdown of the damages caused by the afternoon storms below.
Power Outages:
As of 7:30 p.m., according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, 2,440 Northern Virginia customers are without power. Pepco's outage map shows 4 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 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:
- A large tree down came down onto power lines near the intersection of Silver Hill Road and Royalls Mills Road in Fauquier County in Virginia.
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:
- DC Water reported a road closure in the 1600 block of 19 Street, SE for 4 to 6 hours Saturday morning due to water service repairs.
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.