Severe weather moved through the D.C. area after steamy, hot conditions caused the heat index to soar past 100° Tuesday.
As of 10:30 p.m., more than 40,000 Dominion Energy customers are without power in Northern Virginia. Most of those outages were in Fairfax County.
About 17,500 customers were still coping without electricity as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, including about 12,000 in Fairfax County, as the region braces for a heat index up to 105° and a heat advisory.
Storms popped up across the region Tuesday afternoon and evening, producing lots of lightning, heavy rain and damaging winds.
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In Germantown, Maryland, a lightning strike sparked a blaze at an apartment building, fire officials said.
A lightning strike is also blamed after the roof of a home on Douglas Street NE caught fire. No one was injured, DC Fire and EMS said.
Numerous trees fell across the region. DC Fire and EMS checked on homes in Northeast and Southeast that were damaged by trees; no injuries were reported.
One household in Falls Church reported three oak trees and a shed collapsed.
Earlier in the day, the heat index soared to 103°.
Drink plenty of water and try to avoid too much sun exposure to stay safe in the heat. Cooling centers are open in Anne Arundel County due to the high heat.
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Afternoon storms could pop up in the D.C. area through Friday.
“Keep your umbrellas handy this week. You’re likely to use them at least once,” Chuck Bell said.
A cold front will increase rain chances over the weekend and give a little relief from the heat, keeping temperatures in the mid-80s to around 90°.
Tips for Coping With Extreme Heat
- Stay inside when possible, or find places in the shade or with air conditioning.
- Check on your neighbors. Young children, seniors, and those with access and functional needs are the most vulnerable.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
- Keep pets inside. Walk pets early in the morning, give them plenty of water and don't leave them in vehicles, which can reach dangerous temperatures within 10 minutes. For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures or in vehicles, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at (202) 723-5730.
- Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Pick lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast.
