Heavy storms through DC area: ‘Blinding’ downpours, downed tree limbs
A series of fast-moving thunderstorms are rolling through much of the D.C. area Tuesday afternoon, bringing heavy winds, possible hail and "blinding downpours."
Pedestrians dodge rain in Bethesda, Maryland. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)(WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Pedestrians dodge rain in Bethesda, Maryland. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)(WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Fast-moving thunderstorms rolled through parts of the D.C. area Tuesday afternoon, bringing heavy winds, reports of hail and “blinding downpours.”
Some of the strongest storms hit Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, where multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued throughout the afternoon.
Shortly after 4 p.m., rain was still battering areas along Route 50, but much of the severe weather was “starting to weaken” and heading down the Bay Bridge, according to WTOP meteorologist Mike Stinneford.
There is still a risk of severe weather in Southern Maryland with some strong storm cells bringing heavy rainfall, Stinneford said, but the risk for severe weather should end by about 5:30 p.m.
The heavy rain during the storm led the weather service to issue a Flash Flood Warning for west-central Anne Arundel County, which will last until 6:30 p.m.
The storm dropped between 1 and 2.5 inches of rain in that area.
During the height of the storms, damaging winds, hail and “blinding downpours” led to traffic delays across the region, according to Stinneford.
There were reports of downed trees blocking the ramp from eastbound Leesburg Pike to northbound Chain Bridge Road in Tysons Corner, Virginia.
Also in Fairfax County, firefighters responded to downed power lines on Fox Mill Road.
The National Weather Service had issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for D.C., Northern Virginia and Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland. That warning expired at 3 p.m.
Forecast
Into the evening: Showers and thunderstorms east of Interstate 95 will end.
Tuesday: Partly cloudy. Lows in the 60s.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy. Highs 80 to 85.
Thursday: Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Friday: Partly cloudy. Chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. Highs in the mid to upper 80s
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Source: WTOP
