Storms and high winds downed trees, caused power outages and impacted events across the D.C. area on Saturday.
The storm system that impacted the Midwest and South of the United States brought to the D.C. area a high wind warning—last seen in April of 2021— that was in effect for most of the region until midnight.
Dominion Energy reported outages affecting 33,157 customers, and Pepco reported outages affecting 7,084 customers as of 11 p.m.
Some early Saturday events were canceled due to rain that totaled .25 inches in the morning, while evening events were postponed.
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“After morning rain and clouds, here comes the sun! Into the mid-afternoon hours it’s looking nice and mild,” Storm Team4 Meteorologist Amelia Draper tweeted. “But by the later afternoon and evening hours, winds pick up with some wind damage likely later today.”
Impacted Events
The Cherry Blossom 5K canceled the children’s portion of the race. The adult 5K went on as planned despite the heavy rain early Saturday.
The Tidal Basin Welcome Area for the National Cherry Blossom Festival was canceled by the National Park Service. The cherry blossoms are nearing the end of peak bloom and the wind is expected to increase the amount of falling flowers.
“Due to forecast severe weather this afternoon, the Tidal Basin Welcome Area for the National Cherry Blossom Festival will close at noon today. Everyone, please stay safe!” @NationalMallNPS tweeted.
Bloomaroo at The Wharf was rescheduled from Saturday at 2 to 9 p.m. to the same time on Sunday. The event planned to have live music and a firework finale.
NOMA in Bloom was also rescheduled to Sunday, and Pink in the Park in Arlington, Virginia was postponed.
The Capitol City Little League Opening Day ceremony, which D.C. Mayor Murial Bowser planned to attend at 10 a.m., was canceled by inclement weather. The league's afternoon games are expected to continue as scheduled.
“Opening Day ceremonies cancelled today due to weather, but stay tuned for a midseason celebration in May that will be bigger, better, and hopefully sunnier! Go Cap City!" Capitol City Little League posted on Facebook.
Despite the morning and evening weather, some events continued while sunshine came out in the afternoon. Here’s the Weekend Scene for a list of events still ongoing this weekend.
Damaging Winds
After the rainy morning, sunshine and temperatures in the upper 70s were expected Saturday afternoon. Winds of up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph could be felt throughout the day, according to Storm Team4.
Winds picked up at around 6 p.m. with a storm or rain possible during the evening hours, according to Draper.
The winds knocked down power lines and branches blocked streets in Silver Spring Saturday. Branches also fell on a car and shattered the windshield.
A photo provided by the Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue showed that a tree fell on top of a home in Landover, Maryland. No one was inside when the tree fell.
Another tree fell across Klingle Road in Northwest D.C. and authorities had to cut it up so that cars could pass.
In Northern Virginia, a traffic light collapsed in Alexandria at the intersection of Holland Lane and Duke Street. The toppled over light blocked off part of the roadway causing police to redirect traffic.
Power outages continued in parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia Sunday morning.
