Parts of Arlington were inundated by heavy rain and frequent lightning and thunder this afternoon. There were scattered reports of power outages along Columbia Pike and people trapped in stuck elevators in Virginia Square and other parts of the county.

A wind gust of 58 miles per hour was reported in the Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington during the storm, according to the National Weather Service. Flooding was reported in the westbound lanes of Washington Blvd, prompting police to close a ramp from Route 50.


High temperatures and high humidity will make for a sweltering, potentially dangerous afternoon.

Those who must spend time outdoors today are advised to drink plenty of fluids, seek breaks in the shade and avoid strenuous activity if possible.


Dominion Virginia Power is reporting 4,245 customers without power in Arlington — almost 5 percent of all customers in the county. Power outages have been reported in Pentagon City, in Courthouse near I-66 and in the Virginia Square area.

The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City mall was evacuated during the storm due to a power outage there. Scanner reports suggest firefighters rescued some customers from stuck elevators. The Pentagon Centre mall was also reported to be without power.


The heat index is expected to climb to around 100 degrees today. The combination of heat and humidity is potentially dangerous for anyone spending an extended period time outside — or inside without air conditioning.

From the National Weather Service:


The National Weather Service says much of the eastern United States is at risk for damaging storms today. In the D.C. area, the risk is a bit lower than points south and west.

“There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening,” NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook. “Damaging wind gusts will be the primary concern.”


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