The arrival of cold temperatures was preceded by a line of rain showers packing gusty winds that knocked out power to part of Arlington.
Portions of residential North Arlington along Lee Highway — including the Cherrydale, Waverly Hills and Donaldson Run neighborhoods — are without power as of 8:30 p.m. In all, Dominion is reporting 1,641 customers in the dark.
Video posted to social media shows dark clouds and rain arriving, as flashes from transformers can be seen in the background.
Traffic backups are being reported at the now-dark “five points” intersection on Lee Highway in Cherrydale. Police have also been dispatched to assist with traffic control on N. Quincy Street at 20th Street N., where downed utility lines have been reported.
Mother Nature, meanwhile, is not done with us yet. High winds and near-freezing temperatures are expected Saturday. From the National Weather Service:
STRONG WINDS ARE EXPECTED SATURDAY. A WIND ADVISORY MAY BE NECESSARY AS WINDS COULD GUST TO 50 MPH.
A FREEZE WATCH IS IN EFFECT SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
More on the storm and the power outages via social media:
@dougkammerer @nbcwashington @capitalweather so this just happened! Watch for the transformers blowing at the end! @ARLnowDOTcom pic.twitter.com/6RvyA9UmUv
— TMB (@overwatch911) May 9, 2020
@ARLnowDOTcom @ArlingtonAlert @DominionEnergy power outage in 22207 (Donaldson Run, Arlington VA)
— C J 🤦🏻♂️ (@hoborocks) May 9, 2020
And there goes the power. Several huge booms after the storm blew in just now. Must be transformers blowing up in North Arlington? @ARLnowDOTcom
— Raima Larter (@raimalarter) May 9, 2020
Power out Lee Heights Arlington @ARLnowDOTcom @arlingtonva @DominionEnergy
— Circumlocuxon Cannon (@rcannon100) May 9, 2020
8:32 pm: This appears to be a power flash. Winds can be locally intense especially southwest of the city as this line passes. https://t.co/AYpFvQ3gDj
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) May 9, 2020
815pLine of heavy and gusty showers about to punch thru District… Temps will steadily drop in its wake. pic.twitter.com/62IPaJ768g
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) May 9, 2020
Arlington and most of the metropolitan D.C. area are now under a Tornado Watch.
While a Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m., the National Weather Service has added a Tornado Watch on top of it, also through 6 p.m.
Winds are expected to start whipping up this afternoon, and some tornados may spawn as a storm system makes its way through the Mid-Atlantic and up the East Coast.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of DE, DC, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV until 6 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/ygpq78BJ1w
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) April 13, 2020
(Updated at 3 p.m.) A portion of Old Dominion Drive is closed after a large free fell and landed on a passing car.
The incident happened around 1:30 p.m. just east of the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and N. Thomas Street, near Dorothy Hamm Middle School and The Horizons Apartments.
The tree fell on a car heading eastbound on Old Dominion Drive, crushing most of the frontend. The driver, who suffered minor cuts and some chest pain, told ARLnow that he did not notice the tree falling until it was too late.
“It was very shocking,” said the driver, Michael. “If I did not have my seatbelt on, we would not be talking right now.”
As of 2 p.m. the road was still closed in both directions, as VDOT crews with chainsaws, a front loader and dump trucks were working to clear the large tree from the roadway. Police are also on scene, helping to direct traffic.
Elsewhere in Arlington, there have been numerous reports of downed trees, branches and wires amid today’s gusty winds.
A tree that fell this morning near the intersection of 23rd Street S. and S. Dinwiddie Street, near Wakefield High School, closed the road and knocked out power to the neighborhood. As of 2 p.m. Dominion’s website reported 124 customers in the area were still without power, with no estimated restoration time.
A Wind Advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m.
Up our street – this isn't good. pic.twitter.com/6jATfuzryz
— Michael Neubert (@BikesBooksOther) April 10, 2020
Map via Google Maps
Another day, more wind.
Arlington will again be under a Wind Advisory Friday, with gusty winds expected throughout much of the day. The wind could again down tree limbs and and power lines.
Thursday’s winds caused scattered damage in Arlington, including isolated power outages and a tree that blew over and blocked part of Columbia Pike near S. Scott Street.
More on Friday’s Wind Advisory, from the National Weather Service:
…WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM EDT FRIDAY… * WHAT…WEST WINDS 20 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH EXPECTED. * WHERE…IN MARYLAND, CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST HOWARD, SOUTHEAST HARFORD, SOUTHERN BALTIMORE, PRINCE GEORGES, ANNE ARUNDEL AND CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST MONTGOMERY COUNTIES. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN VIRGINIA, ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA, AND FAIRFAX COUNTY. * WHEN…FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM EDT FRIDAY. * IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS COULD BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN AND A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IF OPERATING A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. SECURE OUTDOOR OBJECTS. &&
A Wind Advisory has been issued for Friday from 10 AM until 6 PM. Winds will be sustained around 20-25 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph possible. pic.twitter.com/KkY40uWkJb
— National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 10, 2020
Arlington County will be under a Wind Advisory for much of the day tomorrow.
The advisory is in effect from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service says gusts of up to 50 mph are expected, potentially causing downed tree limbs and power outages.
More from NWS:
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM EDT THURSDAY… * WHAT…WEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH EXPECTED. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND NORTHERN MARYLAND, CENTRAL, NORTHERN AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA AND EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM EDT THURSDAY. * IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS COULD BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN AND A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IF OPERATING A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. SECURE OUTDOOR OBJECTS. &&
A Wind Advisory has been issued for northern and central MD, northern VA, and the northern/central VA Blue Ridge from 10 AM to 5 PM Thursday. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph are expected. pic.twitter.com/pC0XVkzb8r
— National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 9, 2020
Update at 10:45 a.m. — The gusty winds are expected to arrive early this afternoon.
10:30AM: Don't let the mainly sunny sky and light winds fool you! Showers & a few thunderstorms along a strong cold front moving in from the west mark the sudden onset of gusty, possibly damaging winds. pic.twitter.com/o0pcMM3V31
— National Weather Service Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 9, 2020
The Flood Watch has been cancelled, but now the wind is the next possible hazard Arlington and the D.C. region will face.
The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Gusts of up to 50 mph are expected.
More from NWS:
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM EST FRIDAY… * WHAT…WEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH EXPECTED. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, PORTIONS OF CENTRAL, NORTH CENTRAL, NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND, CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND THE EASTERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM EST FRIDAY. * IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS COULD BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN AND A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IF OPERATING A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. SECURE OUTDOOR OBJECTS. &&
Gusty winds are expected on Friday as a strengthening storm crosses the region. Wind Advisories are in effect where gusts may reach 50 mph. pic.twitter.com/dvZoSPeE1W
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) February 7, 2020
Expect gusty winds to start whipping up soon.
Arlington and much of the region is under a Wind Advisory from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Forecasters say gusts of up to 50 mph are possible, which could down trees and power lines.
After two significant power outages yesterday in Arlington, there’s concern that the wind could lead to more outages today.
More from the National Weather Service:
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON… * WHAT…WEST WINDS 20 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH EXPECTED. * WHERE…PORTIONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, CENTRAL, NORTH CENTRAL AND NORTHERN MARYLAND AND NORTHERN AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON. * IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS COULD BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN AND A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IF OPERATING A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. SECURE OUTDOOR OBJECTS. &&
A Wind Advisory has been issued for areas along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the DC metro areas and northward until 5 pm today. Check our website: https://t.co/CJFhYzBvKR for more information. pic.twitter.com/AkvYuLs22Y
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) January 8, 2020
Flickr pool photo by John Sonderman
Much of the D.C. region, including Arlington, will be under a Wind Advisory starting tonight.
Strong winds with gusts up to 50 mph are expected to start whipping up Wednesday night and will continue through Thursday afternoon, making for a blustery Thanksgiving holiday.
Forecasters caution that the wind gusts could topple trees and power lines, causing widespread power outages. Drivers — including those taking last minute trips on one of the busiest travel days of the year — should also take caution.
More from the National Weather Service:
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BALTIMORE MD/WASHINGTON DC
156 PM EST WED NOV 27 2019…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…WEST TO NORTHWEST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS AROUND 50 MPH EXPECTED.
* WHERE…THE WASHINGTON AND BALTIMORE METROPOLITAN AREAS, CENTRAL MARYLAND, AND PORTIONS OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
* WHEN…FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST THURSDAY.
* IMPACTS…DAMAGING WINDS COULD BLOW DOWN TREES AND POWER LINES. WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE. TRAVEL COULD BE DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IF OPERATING A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. SECURE OUTDOOR OBJECTS.
High Wind Warnings and Wind Advisories in effect this evening through Thursday afternoon. Winds 10 to 20 mph gusting 25 mph. Winds are going to get stronger tonight and Thursday. Winds will average 20 to 30 mph gusts 50 mph in advisory areas and gusts to 60 mph in warning areas. pic.twitter.com/qhxw3AmLFT
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) November 27, 2019
Update at 10:45 p.m. — Power has been restored to most of the outage area, but additional outages are possible overnight. On the heels of a Severe Thunderstorm Warning that just expired, a Wind Advisory is now in effect until 4 a.m.:
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EDT FRIDAY… * WHAT…WEST WINDS 15 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH EXPECTED. * WHERE…PORTIONS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, CENTRAL, NORTH CENTRAL, NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND, NORTHERN AND NORTHWEST VIRGINIA AND PANHANDLE WEST VIRGINIA. * WHEN…FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 AM EDT FRIDAY. * IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS COULD BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN AND A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IF OPERATING A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. SECURE OUTDOOR OBJECTS. &&
Earlier: Some 2,250 Dominion customers are in the dark this stormy Halloween night, even though the bulk of the storm has yet to move through.
The outage extends from Ballston to the south to the Donaldson Run neighborhood in the north. Power flickered even farther north of the outage area earlier tonight.
The cause of the outage is pending investigation, according to Dominion’s outage map, though breezy conditions have preceded the storm over the past two hours.
Power out. Waverly Hills. Arlington VA 22207. Dominion and N Vermont.@DominionEnergy @ArlingtonVA @ARLnowDOTcom @ArlCoVAPatch @ArlingtonDES
— WashingtonCrunch (@MindfulRob) November 1, 2019
@ARLnowDOTcom Power out in Ballston. On Stuart Street near metro.
— Chris Perez (@ChrisPdc) November 1, 2019
A Wind Advisory has just been issued for Arlington County.
The advisory says that gusty winds up to 45 mph may cause falling tree limbs and power outages. The advisory is in effect until 6 p.m.
More from the National Weather Service:
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING… * WHAT…WEST WINDS 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH. * WHERE…THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA. * WHEN…UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING. * IMPACTS…GUSTY WINDS COULD BLOW AROUND UNSECURED OBJECTS. TREE LIMBS COULD BE BLOWN DOWN AND A FEW POWER OUTAGES MAY RESULT. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IF OPERATING A HIGH PROFILE VEHICLE. SECURE OUTDOOR OBJECTS. &&
Strong wind gusts of 45 to 50 mph are expected in the wind advisory (brown) areas today through 6PM this evening. #DCwx #MDwx #VAwx #WVwx pic.twitter.com/RCFLgx3SlF
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) October 17, 2019
JUST IN: #WindAdvisory expanded to included the rest of the #DMV until 6PM. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible. Have any #Halloween decorations outside? May want to bring them in, so they don't blow away! https://t.co/KCDNSQhxn9 pic.twitter.com/XxT8G49hVm
— Eileen Whelan (@ABC7EileenW) October 17, 2019
Windy Day on Tap — After a windy night, more gusty winds are expected today. The gusts are expected to reach up to 40 miles per hour locally. [Twitter]
Lions Club Seeks County Lot for Xmas Tree Sale — “Christmas is coming early for the South Arlington Lions Club. Arlington County Board members on Oct. 19 are expected to allow, for the second year in a row, the service organization to use county-government property on South Four Mile Run Drive for its annual Christmas-tree sale.” [InsideNova]
Local Affordable Housing Group Expanding — “A leading affordable housing nonprofit in Arlington County is expanding its operations into Montgomery County, another sign of a growing regional focus on preserving or producing homes that lower-earning residents can afford.” [Washington Post, Press Release]
Earthquake Drill Today — “Participate in the world’s largest earthquake drill [today] at 10:17 a.m… Go to the lowest floor of the building, drop to your hands/knees, cover your head w/your arm, and hold on to shelter.” [Twitter]
VDOT Studying Changes to Route 50 West of Arlington — “The Virginia Department of Transportation is holding a public information meeting Monday, Oct. 21 on a study of potential safety and operational improvements for three miles of Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard) between Jaguar Trail and Wilson Boulevard.” [VDOT]
