Thousands without power, downed trees as storm system sweeps over DC area

Temperatures matched the previous record high of 68 degrees on Dec. 11 just before a strong wave of rain and wind swept through overnight.

The National Weather Service expected a strong cold front carried by the high winds from the southwest through the northeast of the D.C. region. That same front developed storms that devastated several states across 200 miles of the midwest.

Northern Virginia residents between Tysons and Reston also saw some power outages caused by the storm system. Dominion energy confirmed outages for roughly 4,000 in areas west of Dulles and east of D.C.

Some power outages are estimated to end some time between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. while others outages have no estimated restoration time.

Add in a wind advisory that averaged 30 mph gusts, with up to 40 mph in some places, as well as some showers and potentially thunderstorms in spots, and you’ve got a bona fide spring day.

It’s go time for the damaging wind gusts. That squall line that is now moving through the northwest suburbs will have the potential to take down a bunch of tree limbs. @WTOP #DCwx #VAwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/SDvYQkIatA

— Matt Ritter, WTOP Multimedia Meteorologist (@MetMattRitter) December 12, 2021

The National Weather Service warned that these conditions could produce damaging winds.

Strong winds are expected today and tonight. A line of showers (perhaps an isolated thunderstorm) may cause damaging winds, especially this evening. See map for more details. pic.twitter.com/dRMqVm2OBA

— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) December 11, 2021

 

Mild temperatures will grace the area through the first half of the work week until topping out at around 60 on Thursday, per Ricketts, which will be followed by some rain and another cold front at the start of the weekend.

Forecast

Saturday night: Windy, with a cold front coming in once the storms end in the evening.

Sunday: Breezy, seasonably cool. Highs in the low 50s.

Monday: Mostly sunny, slightly milder. Highs in mid to upper 50s.

Tuesday: Sunny, warm. Highs in mid 50s.

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