CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — As scattered storms roll through the DMV, several tornado warnings were issued across the DMV region.
Charles County, Maryland and Arlington, Fairfax and Alexandria, Virginia were all under tornado warnings Monday afternoon. Those warnings have since ended.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) placed the entire DMV under a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather on Monday.
Impressive rainfall rates of one to two inches of rain per hour led to flash flooding the DMV. Along with strong winds that knocked out power to thousands at the peak of the storm. Most outages had been restored by Tuesday morning.
More storms are in the forecast Tuesday, but they are not expected to be as severe.
Here's a look at some of the big headlines from Monday's storms:
Flooded Pet Hotel
DC Fire and EMS were called to a pet hotel in Northeast to help rescue dogs after the business flooded Monday afternoon.
Dogs were pulled from the District Dogs on Rhode Island Avenue one by one after severe storms brought flash floods in the area around 5 p.m.
There is no word how many dogs had to be rescued from the pet hotel, but not all dogs made it out.
RELATED: Flash flood causes wall at pet hotel to collapse, multiple dogs killed after water rushes in
Traffic Alerts:
DC Fire and EMS said "multiple motorists" were stranded in their vehicles due to flooding in the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast Monday evening.
Flooding also forced VRE to hold trains south of Alexandria on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines Monday afternoon. Service has since been restored.
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.
Ground Stops At All DMV Airports
Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) was put under a ground stop due to severe weather, but that was eventually lifted.
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.
Power Outages:
As of 7 a.m. on Tuesday, according to Dominion Energy's power outage map, 77 customers in Fairfax, Virginia are without power.
There is no word at this time on when power may be restored.
Damages:
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.
Peggy Fox with Dominion Energy gives tips for how to stay safe.