Thousands without DC power after severe thunderstorms

Thunderstorms spread across the DC area Friday night, resulting in downed trees, power outages and a water rescue. The weekend looks set to repeat the past few days of heat, humidity and storms. Here’s what you need to know.

Thousands are without power in DC, Maryland and Virginia as strong afternoon and evening storms ripped through, with torrential downpours, frequent lightning and winds gusting up to 60mph in some areas.

The National Weather Service used to issue flood warnings and alerts, all of which have expired.

There was flooding along historically vulnerable roads, creeks and low-lying urban areas, some of which was still recovering after Thursday’s deadly storm that recorded about an inch of rain at Reagan National and BWI Marshall airports, said Chuck Bell, a meteorologist at Storm Team4.

Heavy rain hit the northern and eastern DC suburbs. Most of these cells were slow moving or nearly stationary, causing the water to rise on the main commuter routes in the Eastern District.

About an inch of rain fell over northeast DC in less than an hour, rendering Rhode Island Avenue in Brentwood impassable. Flooding affected sections of Minnesota Avenue and DC-295 in Deanwood. Firefighters were battling the flames at a home on the 1400 block of Channing Street NE just after 5pm after a caller reported lightning had struck the building.

Update Working Fire 1400 Block Channing St NE. #DCsBravest Fire detected in the attic of a 2-storey detached house. fire put down. Search for an extension. No injuries & @RedCrossNCGC notified to help 4 displaced residents. pic.twitter.com/1hIFlWnMZr

— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) August 5, 2022

DC Fire and EMS reported downed trees at the 2400 block of Lafayette Avenue Northeast and a water rescue at the 600 block of Anacostia Avenue Northeast, with several unoccupied vehicles stranded in the flood water.

In Takoma Park, Maryland, police reported fallen trees on the 7300 block of Maple Avenue blocking the street.

And in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, flooding was reported on Courthouse Commons Boulevard near English Lane.

For the latest road and traffic conditions, visit WTOP’s traffic page or listen to updates every 10 minutes online or on air at 103.5 FM. Download the free WTOP News app for Android and Apple phones to sign up for custom traffic and weather alerts.

The region dries up after midnight, but flooding can still occur on some roads. “Remember to be safe and turn back, don’t drown,” said Steve Prinzivalli, Storm Team4 meteorologist.

The threat of afternoon storms and heavy downpours continues daily into next week. Uncomfortable heat – and perhaps just as miserable the oppressive humidity – also persists, at least for city dwellers.

“To beat the heat (there’s no escaping the storm chances) this weekend, afternoon highs in the West Virginia mountains won’t be hit until the mid-80s,” said Chuck Bell, Storm Team4 weather forecaster. “The chance of rain will be slightly less on the east coast beaches, but it will be quite humid with highs near 90.”

Forecast:

Friday night: Evening storms likely, clearing after midnight. In rural areas there may be wafts of fog. Lows in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy and humid. Rain and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the upper 80s to the low 90s.

Sunday: Partly cloudy and humid. Heat index close to 100. Scattered thunderstorms possible in the afternoon. High mid 80’s to low 90’s.

Monday: Partly cloudy and still humid, with scattered afternoon storms. High mid 80’s to low 90’s.

Current conditions:

power outages:

WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.

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