Severe Weather on the East Coast Brings Monday Drama

Photo captured from the National Weather Service (NWS)

With wind gusts up to 80 mph in the Washington DC area, many people were warned to stay indoors, safely away from windows, and to limit travel on Monday evening. The Federal Government issued a staggered leave notice, forcing many federal workers to leave for home as early as 3:00 PM. A strong thunderstorm with gusts threatened people in the impacted areas. The tornado watch was on until 9:00 PM. The NWS Storm Prediction stated on its X account that Severe Thunderstorm Watch 611 has been issued for portions of northeastern North Carolina until 11 pm EDT. Threats include isolated damaging wind gusts to 70 mph.

In Northern Virginia, a tornado warning was issued and In the northern part of Maryland, trees were toppled and power lines were damaged due to the strong 70-plus wind gust.

Rain continues to fall on the impacted area, and the Dulles International Airport was closed from operating until 9:00 PM. DC Homeland Security announced on its own X account, “Treat all downed wires as if they are live; DO NOT touch, move, or drive over them, Report downed trees and wires to 311, and Do NOT dial 911 to report power outages. Please only dial 911 for emergencies.”

The storm is expected to pass the area overnight, and the weather should clear up by Tuesday.