WASHINGTON — Downed trees and power lines were spotted across the DMV amid spotty severe storms in the region late Friday morning and into the afternoon. A second round of severe weather ushered in several Tornado Warnings in the region later in the evening, but no confirmed tornados were spotted.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is still in effect or parts of the DMV until 10 p.m.
Damages:
According to Montgomery County Fire Spokesman Pete Piringer, a large tree branch has fallen near Holy Cross Hospital by Forest Glen and Damron Drive in Silver Spring. Piringer said the branch brought wires down and is blocking some lanes of the roadway.
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:
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 of 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.