Dorian's Effect on DC Area? Mostly Wind, Some Rain Possible

What to Know

  • The DC metro area won't see any major issues from Dorian
  • Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore should be prepared for exceptionally high tides, a stiff wind and some squally rain
  • At the beach this weekend, it will still be breezy to windy Saturday. Don't get in the ocean due to large waves and dangerous rip currents

Hurricane Dorian is churning up the East Coast, and while locally, we won't see any major issues, southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore should be prepared for exceptionally high tides, a very stiff wind from the Northeast and some periods of squally rain. 

Skies will remain cloudy in the D.C. area Friday, with occasional showers and a northeast wind up to as much as 25 mph at times.

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Expect a steep gradient of wind and rain across the region Friday. The Shenandoah Valley will be just cloudy and mostly dry. Much of the Interstate 95 corridor should be breezy, with winds of 15-25 mph, and will have periods of light rain and sprinkles. Southern Maryland will be quite windy, with winds of 25-40 mph, and some bursts of rain. But the Eastern Shore could experience stiff winds of 35-55 mph, heavy rain of two inches or more, coastal flooding and large waves — perhaps up to 10 feet — and could suffer serious beach erosion before Dorian heads out to sea Friday night. 

A tropical storm warning is in effect for for St. Mary's City, Maryland, and Westmoreland, Virginia. Tropical storm-force winds are possible there, the National Weather Service said. 

Pepco released the following tips Thursday to prepare in case of an emergency:

  • Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home
  • Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage
  • If you have a generator, review the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation of it. Do not connect a generator directly to your home's wiring. Never use a generator indoors or any enclosed area
  • Follow the advice of local emergency management officials
  • Stay away from any storm damaged electrical equipment, especially downed lines. You should always assume downed lines are energized

You can report downed downed wires  to your power company by using the following numbers:

  • Pepco: 877-PEPCO-62 (877-737-2662)
  • Dominion Virginia: 866-366-4357 (or if the wire presents an immediate danger, call 911)
  • SMECO: 888-440-3311
  • BG&E: 877-778-2222
  • NOVEC: 703-335-0500 or 888-335-0500

If you're planning a trip to the beach this weekend, it will still be breezy to windy on Saturday, so heads up for blowing sand, but there won't be any rain. However, don't get in the ocean due to large waves and dangerous rip currents.

In the D.C. area, the weekend outlook is pleasant. Saturday will become mostly sunny, with highs in the low 80s and low humidity. Sunday will see a gradual increase in clouds but should stay dry with highs also in the low 80s.

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