WASHINGTON — Strong storms and damaging winds rolled through the DMV Thursday night, leaving showers lingering as Friday kicked off.
Tornado warnings were issued for several areas Thursday evening, including D.C., Montgomery Arlington, Fairfax and Prince George's counties.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued through 10 p.m. Thursday.
Power Outages:
As of Friday morning, Pepco reported few outages still in effect and Dominion showed under 700, down from a couple of thousand Thursday night.
At 9:30 p.m. Thursday, according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, nearly 2,700 customers were without power. Pepco's outage map showed more than 600 customers are without power in D.C. and Maryland.
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 said 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:
WUSA9 Kolbie Satterfield spotted damage at a gas station in Tyson's Corner after a tornado warning was issued for the area.
A tree fell into the roadway along River Road near Woodacres, Maryland, on Thursday afternoon. The roadway has since reopened.
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:
According to a tweet from Metro Rail, trains on the Silver Line are single-tracking between McLean and Tysons Corner due to a track obstruction at Tysons Corner. Riders should expect delays in both directions until the obstruction is cleared.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), is reported that Clara Barton Parkway NW after Chain Bridge Road NW was closed in both directions due to a downed tree. Drivers were encouraged to use alternate routes.
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.
AAA recommends that all drivers make sure they have an emergency kit ready for any weather. Items to have in your car include:
- Snow shovel
- Scraper or de-icer
- Extra blankets
- Warm clothing
- 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.