Scattered power outages have been reported across Arlington after a strong dinnertime storm.
The storm peppered Arlington with lightning and caused water to rise on some local roadways. There were reports of trees, branches and power lines down and homes struck by lightning.
Tests of three new weather sirens near Arlington high schools will be taking place this Friday.
The sirens — located at athletic fields at Wakefield, Washington-Liberty and Yorktown high schools — will sound a 15-second, one-horn blast and flash strobe lights. Under ordinary circumstances, this means that lightning has been detected within a 10-mile radius and people should shelter indoors for 30 minutes.
Arlington Riot Cops Sued by ACLU — “Defendants John Poe 1 – 20 are officers of the Arlington County Police Department and other non-federal law enforcement officials who participated in the attack on peaceful protesters in and near Lafayette Square on June 1, 2020. They are sued in their individual capacities.” [Associated Press, Washington Post]
Washington Monument Struck By Lightning — As seen from the Crystal City / Pentagon City area, the Washington Monument took a direct lightning strike last night. [Twitter]
Update at 11:10 p.m. — A new Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for Arlington and D.C. until 11:45 p.m.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Washington DC, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA until 11:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/CYv7ic8tT1
Firefighters battled flames near the roofline of the building, on the 1600 block of 21st Road N., starting around 9:00 p.m.
Smoke from the fire could be seen from several miles away.
Mercedes Catches Fire After Lightning Strike — An Arlington man’s beloved Mercedes 430 CLK convertible was “burned to a crisp” Monday night after a lightning strike. The lightning apparently struck a power pole, which then fell over. A sparking power line ignited the Mercedes. [Washington Post]
Arlington Honors 16 Trees — The Arlington County Board recognized 16 “Notable Trees” around the county at its meeting yesterday afternoon. During the 10-minute ceremony, details about each tree were read individually as the tree’s owner came up to the front of the room to collect a plaque or certificate. Of the 16 trees, 14 are located in north Arlington and only 2 are located in south Arlington. [Arlington County]
(Updated at 1:15 p.m.) The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Arlington this afternoon as a dangerous storm system rolled through the area.
The tornado warning has since been canceled, but a flood watch remains in effect through 8:00 p.m. (See below.)
(Updated at 5:50 p.m.) A strong thunderstorm ripped through Arlington during Monday’s evening rush hour, knocking down trees, knocking out power and injuring two soldiers on Fort Myer.
The soldiers were reportedly struck by lightning on or around Whipple Field on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. They were reported to be conscious and alert — with non-life-threatening injuries — and were being tended to by Arlington firefighters and paramedics.
(Updated at 8:00 p.m.) Arlington County firefighters are on the scene of a house fire in the Barcroft neighborhood, which was reportedly sparked by a lightning strike.
Firefighters battled flames in the attic of the home, on the 700 block of S. Wakefield Street, after arriving on scene just before 7:30 p.m. The house is located next to Barcroft Elementary School.
We hear that lightning from last night’s storms most likely sparked the fires, though as of this afternoon an Arlington County Fire Department spokesman was unable to confirm any details about the cause.
ACFD spokesman Capt. Gregg Karl did reveal, however, that there was “significant damage to both attic areas.”
DCA Workers Injured By Lightning Strike — Two workers at Reagan National Airport were injured after lightning struck near American Airlines Gate 32. The injuries were not considered life-threatening. [WUSA 9]
Recounting 9/11 at Va. Hospital Center — The injured came flooding into Virginia Hospital Center by private car, military vehicle and ambulance on Sept. 11, 2001, employees recalled at a recent commemoration. Now the hospital says they’re better prepared to handle all sorts of emergencies. [MyFoxDC, WTOP]
9/11 Ride Arrives, Departs Without Incident — No major incidents were reported on Friday or Saturday as a convoy of 1,800 motorcyclists arrived in Pentagon City, then departed for New York City. [Washington Post]
Two Struck By Lightning in Lyon Village — A couple is reported to be in serious condition after being struck by lightning on the 1500 block of N. Highland Street, in Lyon Village, on Friday. The force of the lightning strike was so strong that it “shattered the lenses in one of their glasses and knocked their shoes off.” [WUSA9, MyFoxDC]
