Early-Morning Storm Packs Powerful Punch

At one point, winds in Washington area topped 80 miles per hour.

The storms that rolled through the Washington area early Tuesday morning didn’t last long, but they packed a powerful punch.

A fast-moving line of thunderstorms rushed through the area pre-dawn Tuesday. There were some isolated wind gusts up to 60 mph throughout much of the region, which resulted in some tree limbs and even trees coming down, according to NBC Washington meteorologist Tom Kierein.

At one point, the line of storms was moving at 80 mph as they rapidly advanced to the east. There were multiple tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings as the storm moved through. However, there were no confirmed reports of any tornado touchdowns.

The high winds knocked a tree onto a convertible that was driving on Jones Mill Road in the Chevy Chase area. The large tree crushed the car’s soft-top roof. The driver was able to walk away uninjured.

Jones Mill Road was closed while crews worked to clear a power line that also fell with the tree.

The front that produced the storms is now moving off the Atlantic seaboard. Behind that, we will have some lingering showers Tuesday morning, but any rain will end in the afternoon. Winds could pick up again, with gusts to 40 mph possible.

It will be turning much colder tonight. Temperatures will be in the 40s this evening to upper 30s by dawn Wednesday.

The temperatures should warm up nicely by Wednesday afternoon, with highs in the mid-60s with some sunshine.

Looking ahead to the weekend, it will be mild with just a chance of a shower Saturday night.

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