Thousands without power following DMV storms
4 min read
Upwards of 76,000 customers are without power after a storm ran through D.C., Maryland and Virginia Tuesday evening.
WASHINGTON — Thousands in the DMV are without power following a storm in the area. Some have experienced property damage and transportation has been severely impacted. WUSA9 is keeping you posted on the storm’s impact.
Power Outages:
As of 10:55 p.m., according to Dominion Energy’s power outage map, over 76,000 customers are without power. Pepco’s outage map shows nearly 42,000 customers are without power in D.C. and Maryland. Storm Center’s power outage map shows over 10,000 customers without power.
There is no word at this time on when power may be restored.
A power outage can be caused by a myriad of things but it is important to be as prepared as you possibly can, especially during severe weather. Extended power outages can impact everyone from a home to an entire community. It can cause issues with communication, prevent the use of medical devices, impact access to water and cause food to spoil while grocery stores may be closed.
Dominion Energy says residents should not connect any portable generators to a home’s electrical system. Under no circumstances should you ever bring a generator into your home in order to create heat. Odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas from gas-fueled heaters and generators can build-up, resulting in injuries or even death.
Damages:
Maryland
Some residents in Olney, Maryland have had their property damaged by the storm. According to an official, trees fell on multiple homes in the area during the storm.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Spokesman Pete Piringer says dozens of families are “likely to be displaced” due to the damage left behind by the storm. No injuries have been reported.
D.C.
In D.C. a power line went down and caused multiple cars to catch on fire in the 3200 block of Cathedral Ave. in Northwest. The fire department is working on putting out the flames after PEPCO cut the power line, according to officials. No injuries were reported and the fire did not spread beyond the cars, officials add.
It is important to know how to prepare and stay safe during severe weather. There are several ways you can make sure you are ready.
- High winds regularly down trees and heavy branches in the DMV region, so avoid standing or walking under tree canopies.
- Be supplied: Have medical equipment, medical supplies or any critical medications on hand and enough for 5-7 days.
- Figure out how and where everyone will meet up with each other if you get separated.
- Sign up for text alerts/weather warnings that may be offered by your locality.
- Secure garbage cans, lawn furniture or anything that could cause damage.
Traffic Alerts:
Officials say the left lane going southbound of the Baltimore Washington Parkway (MD-295) in the area of 495 is now cleared and open for travel, following a tree falling and blocking traffic.
The MARC Camden Line service has been suspended for the rest of Tuesday night. The MARC Camden 844 train that departs at 7:40 a.m. from D.C. is canceled for Wednesday morning as well. This is due to multiple trees falling on the tracks. Officials say that passengers are encouraged to find alternative forms of transportation. Officials say that further cancellations are possible.
If you cannot 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 seatbelt.
If traffic signals are not working because a power outage, you must stop at the intersection and then proceed when you know other turning and approaching cars, bikes or pedestrians have stopped. Treat a blacked-out traffic signal as a four-way stop intersection.
Peggy Fox with Dominion Energy gives tips for how to stay safe.
2022-07-13 05:16:13
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