Drivers of the capital were stranded as vehicles got stuck in floodwaters
CHARLES COUNTY, MD – With scattered storms blowing through the DMV, several tornado warnings have been issued across the DMV area.
Charles County, Maryland, Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria, Virginia, were all under tornado warnings Monday afternoon. These warnings have since ended.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) placed the entire DMV area under a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk on Monday.
Impressive rainfall rates of one to two inches of rain per hour led to flash flooding in the DMV. In addition to the strong winds that cut off electricity to thousands at the height of the storm. Most of the outages were restored by Tuesday morning.
More storms are expected on Tuesday, but they are not expected to be of the same intensity.
RELATED: Another round of storms Tuesday afternoon
Click here to check out our interactive radar.
Here’s a look at some of the headlines from Monday’s storms:
Flooded pet hotel
DC Fire and EMS were called to a pet hotel in the Northeast to help rescue dogs after the business was flooded Monday afternoon.
The dogs were pulled from District Dogs on Rhode Island Avenue one by one after severe storms caused flash flooding in the area around 5 p.m.
There is no information on how many dogs had to be rescued from the pet hotel, but not all dogs made it.
RELATED: Flash flood causes wall of pet hotel to collapse, several dogs killed after rushing water
Traffic alerts:
DC Fire and EMS said “several motorists” were stranded in their vehicles due to flooding in the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue in Northeast Monday evening.
Flooding also forced VRE to stop trains south of Alexandria on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines Monday afternoon. Service has since been restored.
If you can’t 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 seat belt.
If traffic lights are not working due to a power outage, you should stop at the intersection and proceed when you know other cars, bicycles, or pedestrians have stopped turning and approaching. Treat a dark traffic light as a four-way stop intersection.
Ground stops at all DMV airports
Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) were grounded due to inclement weather, but that was eventually lifted.
According to the National Business Aviation Association, a ground stop is implemented when air traffic control is unable to safely accommodate aircraft. They are commonly used in situations of severe weather, major equipment outages, and catastrophic events.
Blackouts:
As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, according to Dominion Energy’s outage map, 77 customers were without power in Fairfax, Virginia.
There is no information at this time about when power will be restored.
Click here to check Dominion Energy outages in your area.
Click here to check Pepco outages in your area.
Damages:
It’s important to know how to prepare and stay safe during severe weather. There are several ways you can make sure you are prepared.
- High winds regularly blow down trees and heavy branches in the DMV area, so avoid standing or walking under tree canopies.
- Provided: Keep enough medical equipment, medical supplies, or any important medications on hand for 5-7 days.
- Find out how and where everyone will meet each other if you break up.
- Sign up for text alerts/weather warnings your area may provide.
- Secure trash cans, lawn furniture, or anything that could cause damage.
RELATED: Tips for staying safe during high winds
Watch the following: How to stay safe during a potential power outage due to a storm
Peggy Fox with Dominion Energy offers tips on how to stay safe.
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