Severe thunderstorms wreaked havoc in the D.C. region on Saturday, causing major roads to be closed, trees to fall, and widespread power outages. The storms, fueled by extreme heat and humidity, a strong cold front, and a disturbance high in the atmosphere, pounded the Beltway region with heavy rain and winds exceeding 80 mph.
Tragically, the storms also resulted in the death of a 43-year-old man in Prince William County. Authorities suspect that the man’s death was caused by a tree falling on his home, but the cause of death has not been confirmed.
The impact of the storms was felt by more than 200,000 customers who lost power. Although power has been restored to many, around 15,000 customers in D.C. and Maryland and over 7,000 customers in Northern Virginia are still without power, according to Pepco and Dominion Energy.
The aftermath of the storms has led to road closures and cleanup efforts. The northern section of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, from Spout Run Parkway to the Capital Beltway, has been closed as crews work to remove fallen trees. The closure will remain in place until all hazardous trees have been cleared. Additionally, numerous trees were downed in the Clara Barton Parkway area.
The National Zoo has also been affected by the storm, as it remains closed on Sunday for debris cleanup.
Emergency services have been overwhelmed by the storm-related incidents. The D.C. Fire and EMS Department reported responding to a staggering 810 calls on Saturday and Sunday, marking the first time in recent memory that they have exceeded 800 calls.
As the situation continues to develop, updates will be provided.
What measures are being taken to address the power outages affecting thousands of customers in the D.C. region following the severe thunderstorms?
Severe thunderstorms unleash havoc in the D.C. region on Saturday, unleashing chaos on major roads, toppling trees, and plunging the area into darkness. These powerful storms combine scorching heat, stifling humidity, an aggressive cold front, and an atmospheric disturbance to pummel the Beltway region with torrential rain and winds reaching a staggering 80 mph.
Heartbreakingly, one life was lost as a 43-year-old man in Prince William County fell victim to a falling tree. Authorities suspect his tragic demise was directly caused by the tree crashing down onto his home, though the official cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
The impact of these tempestuous storms reverberated through the region, leaving over 200,000 residents without power. Though many have had their electricity restored, approximately 15,000 customers in D.C. and Maryland, as well as over 7,000 customers in Northern Virginia, are still grappling with power outages, according to reports from Pepco and Dominion Energy.
In the aftermath of the storms, road closures and intensive cleanup efforts have become the order of the day. The northern portion of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, spanning from Spout Run Parkway to the Capital Beltway, remains off-limits as crews diligently work to clear away fallen trees. This closure will persist until all hazardous trees have been safely eliminated. Additionally, a significant number of trees were uprooted in the Clara Barton Parkway area, posing further challenges to post-storm road conditions.
Even the beloved National Zoo has not been spared from the wrath of this fierce weather, with Sunday witnessing its closure for debris cleanup.
The storm-related incidents have had a staggering impact on emergency services, who have faced an unprecedented surge in calls for assistance. The D.C. Fire and EMS Department valiantly responded to a staggering 810 distress calls throughout Saturday and Sunday, marking a notable record as this is the first time in recent memory that they have surpassed the 800-call threshold.
As the situation continues unfolding, be sure to stay tuned for updated information on the ongoing developments in the aftermath of these intense thunderstorms.
