As expected, severe weather moved into the D.C. area just in time for the Monday evening commute — and it’s left thousands without power around D.C. Here’s what you need to know.
Storm Team4 meteorologist said parts of the area saw a fair amount of hail and really strong wind between 50- to 70-mph gusts, which complicated the evening drive.
WTOP Traffic reporter Dave Dildine said there were reports of spinouts, downed trees and standing water.
Thousands of customers were dealing with power outages Monday night, with the most in Charles and Anne Arundel counties in Maryland and Fairfax and Prince William counties in Virginia.
The storms are expected to rapidly end after sunset.
A few D.C.-area school systems closed early ahead of potentially hazardous weather Monday.
VRE service impacts
Monday’s weather has prompted heat restrictions that could impact Virginia Railway Express service. Along the Fredericksburg line, trains south of Franconia/Springfield could be delayed through 7 p.m.
(Such restrictions are intended to slow down rail traffic, because warm temperatures can affect the tracks.)
Forecast
Monday night: Storms end before 9 p.m. West winds at 5 to 15 mph. Lows in the 50s and 60s.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, breezy and pleasant with lower humidity. Highs in the mid 70s to near 80.
Wednesday: Morning sun giving way to increasing clouds and warmth, with showers and storms possible at night. Highs in the low to mid 70s.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, warm and humid with a chance of scattered showers. Highs in the upper 70s.
