Tropical Storm Ophelia makes landfall, already impacting Maryland/Washington, D.C. area

Tropical Storm Ophelia has made landfall near Emerald Isle, North Carolina, but the outer rain bands of the storm had already entered the Washington, D.C. area overnight. What will the impacts of Ophelia on the Rockville area be? The National Weather Service predicts rainfall amounts from 2-4" in the Montgomery County/Washington, D.C. area. High winds with gusts up to 45-55 MPH are also anticipated.

Montgomery County and Washington D.C. are under a National Weather Service-issued Wind Advisory from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM today. The NWS forecasts northeast winds of 20 to 30 MPH, with gusts up to 55 MPH expected. Gusts up to 50 mph are possible along the immediate shore of the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac. Ocean City, Maryland is experiencing street flooding and wind gusts up to 50 MPH.Secure any outdoor furniture or objects light enough to blow away, or bring them indoors.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has
declared a State of Emergency

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency. "If you can avoid driving or being out during the storm, please do so," Moore said. "We are expecting an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and elevated tides." Flooding, falling limbs, downed trees and power outages are expected.

Ophelia is currently located 25 miles WNW of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Its sustained winds measured at Cape Lookout are currently 61 MPH, with gusts up to 73 MPH. The storm is moving NNW at 9 MPH, and will affect the D.C. region through Sunday.

Heavy rainfall and sustained wind gusts will combine for conditions that favor trees falling, causing damage and power outages. Charge cellphones and make sure you have batteries for flashlights and radios.

WMATA reports Metrobus routes D33 Westbound and E4 Westbound are temporarily detouring at Military Road and 14th Street NW, and resuming their routes at Military Road and 16th Street NW, due to weather conditions. Pepco is reporting a few, small power outages in Gaithersburg at this hour.

Tracking map courtesy National Hurricane Center

Thousands still reporting power outages in Montgomery County the day after thunderstorm hits area

Pepco crews staging at a 7-Eleven store
in Montgomery County this morning

Over 10,000 Pepco customers remain without power this morning in Montgomery County, but that number is down about 60,000 from the height of last evening's thunderstorm damage. The weather event, and resulting tree and power line damage, has been one of the few significant tests for Pepco since the electric utility was acquired by Exelon in 2016. Yesterday's storm appeared deceptively routine for late summer, but spawned straight line winds in areas like North Bethesda and Rockville, and had some in Northwest Washington, D.C. reporting a tornado in their community.

Southwest Bethesda neighborhoods like Springfield, Sumner, Wood Acres, Bannockburn and Spring Hill are still experiencing significant power outages. Grid resiliency issues reared their head again in the Westbard area long after skies had cleared Saturday night. Residents there who were fortunate enough to retain power after the storm last night report experiencing brownouts at 2:12 AM and 4:32 AM. The 4:32 AM brownout was an extended one, as after a split-second blackout that ravaged appliance motors, light fixtures were shimmering and flickering until all power was lost around 4:45 AM. Power was then restored around 4:48 AM. Interestingly, both brownout episodes reported seem to coincide with brand new power outages in the Westbard and Wood Acres/Searl Terrace areas, which the Pepco outage map indicates were reported at 2:15 AM (Searl Terrace) and 4:53 AM (Westbard Avenue). This morning's brownouts follow three sunny day brownouts in the Westbard area two weeks ago.

In North Bethesda, apartment building residents reported being in the dark Saturday night, and outages persist around Grosvenor, Garrett Park, Tilden Lane, Randolph Hills and the Randolph Road corridor this morning. Things aren't looking much better in the Twinbrook and Rollins Park areas of Rockville.

Aspen Hill is still smarting today with many outages. Fortunately for those without air conditioning, today's high will "only" be 85 degrees, instead of the 99 degree peak experienced last Friday. Outages also persist around Leisure World, Bel Pre Road, Wheaton, Kensington, Kemp Mill, Takoma Park, Hillandale, Colesville and Fairland. 

The storm appears to have cut a straight path across Montgomery Village, Goshen, and Laytonsville, judging from the large number of outages there. Outages remain in the Kentlands, Montgomery College-Germantown campus, Olney and Sandy Spring areas. 

Montgomery County issues hypothermia alert

The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has issued a Hypothermia Alert for Monday, April 10, 2023, between the hours of 2:00 AM and 10:00 AM. During that time, the wind chill is forecast to be below 32 degrees. 

A Hypothermia Alert means that conditions present a danger of hypothermia or frostbite to those outdoors for extended periods. Dress warmly and wear layers if you must spend significant time outdoors during the hours covered by the alert. If you have safety concerns about people or pets, you are asked to call 301-279-8000.

Rockville, central Maryland, Northern VA, D.C. under Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 10 PM

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for central and southern Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C., effective until 10:00 PM tonight, April 6, 2023. Violent thunderstorms are expected. Isolated wind gusts up to 70 MPH and large hail are possible. It is currently 85 degrees, but temperatures tonight will plunge into the 40s after the storms pass through the area.

Make sure your phone is charged, and that you have fresh batteries in your flashlight. Keep a battery-powered radio nearby, and retrieve any objects that might be blown around by winds from your yard or balcony.

High wind warning issued for Rockville, most of Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for Rockville and other portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, the District of Columbia and northern and northwest Virginia. It will be in effect from 12:00 PM today, April 1, 2023 until 12:00 AM tomorrow, April 2. Winds are expected to be between 25 and 35 MPH during that period, with wind gusts up to 60 MPH expected.

Power outages and other damage from falling limbs and trees are expected. Take time now to ensure your phone is charged, your flashlight has fresh batteries, and you have a battery powered radio. The NWS recommends staying indoors, avoiding forested areas, staying away from windows, and remaining on the lower levels of your home if possible.

It's going to be "wild and woolly" out there, as the weatherman on the telephone used to say. Expect possible showers and thunderstorms, and even the chance of an isolated tornado this afternoon. The high temperature will be 76 degrees. 

Frosty Siberian winds lead to falling trees, power outages across Montgomery County and D.C. area

Darkened apartments along
Georgia Avenue near Wheaton Friday night

It's been a "wild and wooly" day across the Washington, D.C. region and much of the nation, to use the words of the telephone meteorologist of old. Gusty winds that have blown from Siberia and down through Canada joined with a bomb cyclone winter weather event to start Friday with a blast of ice. The winds have stuck around through the evening, leading to many falling limbs and trees, and the resulting power outages.

There are currently 8,459 Pepco customers without power in the D.C. Metro area. Outages are widespread over the entire map of Montgomery County. The most concentrated outages are in the Silver Spring, Wheaton, Calverton, Gaithersburg and Germantown areas. In Rockville, there are significant outages in the King Farm, Twinbrook, West End and College Gardens neighborhoods. Bethesda residents are in the dark in a couple of spots along the Bradley Boulevard corridor, and in Westgate near the D.C. line. Over the border, there are outages in the Palisades and Wesley Heights in Northwest Washington.

The current temperature is 11 degrees. Winds are gusting at 18 MPH, and a wind chill advisory is in effect until 10:00 AM Saturday morning. Be sure to fully cover up if you have to go outside to avoid frostbite. Remember that dark intersections during power outages are to be treated as a four-way stop - but proceed with caution, as many drivers ignore this and will steam through the intersection anyway, or rear-end you if you conscientiously try to stop as the law requires. The best advice is to stay off the roads if you can.

Hurricane Ian now Tropical Rainstorm Ian In North Carolina, minimal impact so far on Maryland, Rockville

Hurricane Ian is blamed for the deaths of more than 14 people in the southern United States so far, but as Tropical Rainstorm Ian, its outer bands have not made much of a scratch on the Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia areas yet. At this hour, there is only 1 power outage in Montgomery County, caused by a fallen utility pole in the Four Corners area of Silver Spring. Rain has not been constant, and winds have been more breezy than gusty to this point.

Ian's predicted path today and
overnight into Sunday

The National Hurricane Center reports Post-Tropical Cyclone Ian's current location is north of Greensboro, North Carolina, approaching the Virginia border at 10 MPH. Its current maximum sustained winds are only 25 MPH.

Rockville's forecast from the National Weather Service calls for rain or drizzle, and patchy fog for the remainder of this afternoon. Winds will be 16 MPH, with gusts up to 29 MPH. Tonight, rain turning to drizzle at 7:00 PM. Patchy fog will continue to pop up across the area, and the low temperature will be 54 degrees. Wind gusts will top out at 18 MPH.

Sunday morning, those wind gusts will get stronger again, with a maximum gust of 29 MPH. There will be a 90% chance of showers. Sunday night, wind gusts will remain strong at 28 MPH, but rain will taper off after 2:00 AM. Monday will stay breezy, but the forecast has improved with partly sunny conditions for most of the day, and a 30% chance of showers.

Ian caused many major events around the state to be canceled, including the Taste of Bethesda, and the Oceans Calling festival in Ocean City. Public officials and event organizers were put in a difficult position, and have chosen to err on the side of caution in many cases.

Graphics courtesy National Hurricane Center (top)/Accuweather.com (bottom)

Hurricane Ian outer rain bands to reach Maryland, Virginia today as eye makes landfall in South Carolina

The first outer rain bands of Hurricane Ian will reach the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area around the middle of this afternoon, as D.C., Maryland and Virginia get their first splash of what will be a very wet weekend. Around the same time, Ian will make its third landfall on the coast of South Carolina. Accuweather forecasts a storm surge of 3 to 6 feet in South Carolina, with the greatest impacts north of Charleston, and in the vicinity of Georgetown and Myrtle Beach. The South Carolina and Georgia coasts could experience a total rainfall of 8 to 12 inches, and up to 18 inches in some spots. Rainfall will likely total 4-8" in North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Here in Maryland, the localized flood risk will first loom tonight, and today will feature the highest wind gusts of 37 MPH. Winds will drop to gusts of 21 MPH on Saturday and Sunday, Total rainfall in Maryland and Montgomery County is expected to be about 2 inches over the weekend. However, if Ian were to move out over the ocean again or stall over our area, that total could more than double. So be prepared for all potential outcomes.

As of 5:00 AM this morning, the National Hurricane Center reports Hurricane Ian's current location is 145 miles SSE of Charleston, South Carolina. It is moving NNE at 9 MPH. Ian's current maximum sustained winds are measured at 85 MPH.

Graphic courtesy National Weather Service

Hurricane Ian remnants to impact Maryland sooner than expected, after stops in Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia

The worst of Hurricane Ian may have already passed in Florida, but the now-Tropical Storm is expected to make a speedy trip up the East Coast, including a jaunt out to sea and another landfall somewhere in the South. Yesterday, Ian's timetable for arrival in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and North Virginia area began to look like it was slipping from early next week to this weekend. Now, Accuweather is forecasting the first rains of Ian to arrive in the Mid-Atlantic as early as tomorrow. 

Tropical rain showers are now expected all weekend, and showers may continue from Monday into Wednesday. This does not look good for events like Taste of Bethesda this Saturday. Rain associated with Ian will arrive well ahead of the actual storm center, which is expected to pass through Maryland sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Ian has further business south of here first, however. After crawling across mainland Florida, the storm will go back over the Atlantic, and make another landfall tomorrow evening. Accuweather currently predicts Ian's landfall will be somewhere near the border of Georgia and South Carolina Friday night; the National Hurricane Center's prediction is for a landfall in South Carolina. 

The full impact of Ian's second landfall, and the strength of the storm's remnants when it arrives here in the D.C. area, will be determined by how long it drifts over the waters of the Atlantic prior to Friday night's landfall. The National Hurricane Center says the storm could again near hurricane strength as it approaches land.

Ian already has shown plenty of destructive power after making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. Over 2 million utility customers in Florida are currently without electricity. Accuweather reports that every customer in Hardee County, Florida is in the dark. Part of the Sanibel Causeway collapsed, the only bridge between Sanibel Island and mainland Florida. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said earlier this morning that helicopter rescues are being performed on barrier islands by the Coast Guard and Florida National Guard. He said 100 portable cell towers are being set up to restore some level of phone service, and that power line infrastructure in the hardest hit areas would in some cases have to be entirely rebuilt. Pine Island Bridge, like the Sanibel Causeway, is damaged and impassable, he added.

Fox Weather reports that there are believed to be hundreds of fatalities in Lee County, Florida, according to the sheriff there. Accuweather reports one confirmed death in Florida from Hurricane Ian, a 72-year-old man in Deltona. He slipped down a hill behind his home into a flooding drainage ditch while trying to drain his pool as the storm approached his area at 1:00 AM this morning. Fox Weather also reports Ian has caused a 200-year flood event in Orlando. More than a foot of rain has fallen on the city.

DeSantis said his state has all of the supplies it needs for storm victims. "It's much better to donate financially, rather than sending items. We've got a lot of items," he said at a news conference this morning. Those seeking to help storm victims displaced in Florida can have the greatest impact by donating funds at FloridaDisasterFund.org, or text DISASTER to 20222, he said. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis said the fund has already raised $1.6 million in the last 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Ian's current location is 40 miles east of Orlando, the National Hurricane Center reports. Its current maximum sustained winds are at 65 MPH, and it is moving NE at 8 MPH.

Graphic courtesy Accuweather.com

Hurricane Ian still on track to eventually hit Maryland; now nearing landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm

Hurricane Ian is still on a track that will eventually take it to Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, according to a model posted by Accuweather.com. The newest update shows the storm making its turn toward the Atlantic Ocean at a slightly later point than predicted earlier, with the center of the storm now passing north of Washington and more directly over Baltimore, before heading out to sea over Atlantic City. This track is subject to change from many variables.

Accuweather forecasts the storm arriving in the Mid-Atlantic on Sunday or Monday. It predicts Ian will drop about an inch of rain on our area by the time it moves off to the Atlantic.

Earlier this hour, the National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Ian's current location is 75 miles WSW of Naples, Florida, and has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane. It is moving north-northeast at 10 MPH. Maximum sustained winds are near 140 MPH, with gusts over 140 MPH. Landall on the Gulf Coast of Florida is expected this afternoon, according to ABC News.

Graphics courtesy Accuweather.com

Will Hurricane Ian hit the Washington D.C. area? This newest track shows it's very likely.

Hurricane Ian's current location is 325 miles south-southwest of Key West, Florida, according to the National Hurricane center. But after Ian hits the Gulf Coast of Florida - currently anticipated to occur Thursday - as a potential Category 4 storm upon landfall, will its path ultimately affect the Washington, D.C. area, including Rockville and Montgomery County in Maryland? Accuweather's latest track shows a very good chance that it will.

The last position forecast on the map at this time predicts Ian will pass east of Atlanta, west of Charlotte, and be aimed directly at the Washington, D.C. area as it arcs back toward the Atlantic Ocean. At that position on October 3, 2022, Accuweather shows Ian directly north of Lynchburg, Virginia. Extending the path from that point on the same curvature would show the remnants of Ian making a direct hit on the Washington, D.C. area. Accuweather predicts Ian will have maximum sustained wind gusts of 35 MPH as of that time, and maximum wind gusts of up to 46 MPH - certainly well below hurricane-force winds, but still a risk for downed trees and power lines.

Of course, forecasters can't even guarantee the exact point where Ian will make landfall in Florida yet, so much of this model's track could easily change. But what it does show is that there are strong odds the storm will greatly impact our area for at least one day next week, with the potential for high winds, heavy rain, flooding and tornadic activity. Now is the time to think ahead, and ensure you have batteries, a half-tank of gas in your car, some extra non-perishable food on hand if power goes out, and a battery-powered radio.

Images courtesy of Accuweather.com

Flood watch in effect until 2:00 PM today for Central Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for all of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including Montgomery County and Central Maryland to the border with Pennsylvania. It is in effect from 4:00 AM to 2:00 PM this afternoon, September 6, 2022. There is the possibility of rainfall of 2-3" during this time, with potential totals up to 5" in some areas, due to heavy showers and possible thunderstorms.

Expect creeks, streams, rivers and flood-prone areas to experience high water levels and overflows. If you see high water in the road ahead, do not attempt to drive through it. Turn around and find an alternate route.

Flood watch in effect for Montgomery County, most of Maryland, Washington, D.C., N. Virginia as severe weather approaches

Severe thunderstorms are expected to pass through the area this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch that will remain in effect until 11:00 PM tonight for Montgomery County, Prince George's County and most of Maryland west of the Chesapeake Bay, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. Rainfall amounts of 2-4" are expected, in timeframes as little as one or two hours, leading to potential flash flooding. Isolated strong wind gusts are also expected.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued a statement this afternoon regarding the severe weather forecast. "More severe weather is expected to impact our state this afternoon and evening, including thunderstorms that could produce damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding," Hogan said. He urged residents to "please monitor local forecasts, exercise caution while traveling, and never drive through standing water."

Now is the time to charge your devices, and check the batteries in your flashlights. Bring objects that might fly away in from yards and balconies. Have a battery-powered radio to receive information in case of power outages. For Pepco customers, download the Pepco app to report power outages.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for most of Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C.

The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for a large area of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, stretching from Lynchburg, Virginia to lower New York and Western Connecticut. All of the Washington, D.C. region, including Montgomery County and Prince George's County, are under the watch until 10:00 PM tonight. This follows a Flood Watch for much of that area that is in effect until midnight tonight.

Between now and 10:00 PM, severe thunderstorms are possible. These storms may spawn tornadoes, isolated ping-pong-size hail, and scattered wind gusts up to 70 MPH. The first storms appear to be impacting northern Montgomery County - including Potomac, Germantown and Damascus, and parts of Northern Virginia and Frederick County, including Mount Airy and Urbana. Specifc severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for those areas.

Be prepared by ensuring flashlights and radios have fresh batteries, and that your phone is fully-charged. Bring any objects that could become airborne inside from yards and balconies. Move to a lower level or interior room if a thunderstorm warning is issued for your area.

Map courtesy National Weather Service

Flood watch issued for Montgomery County, Central Maryland, Washington, D.C. region

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for large portions of the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas. A possibility of severe thunderstorms during the late afternoon and early evening hours tonight, along with potential rainfall rates of 1-2" per hour, may cause flash flooding between 4:00 PM and midnight. Jurisdictions under the flood watch include Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Washington, D.C., Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Bowie, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Carroll County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Harford County.

Power outages across Rockville after early evening storm

About 3500 residents in Rockville and Derwood are without power this evening, after a thunderstorm passed through Montgomery County. The storm appeared to follow a northeasterly path through Potomac and Rockville. Pepco's estimated time for restoration of power is 12:00 AM July 3 for most of the outages. The utility is more optimistic about the outage near Wootton High School, where it expects power to be restored by 9:00 PM tonight.

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Montgomery County, Washington, D.C. & Baltimore regions

Rockville, most of Maryland and Northern Virginia are all under a severe thunderstorm watch until 9:00 PM tonight, July 2, 2022. The National Weather Service predicts severe thunderstorms are possible this evening, which could generate wind gusts up to 65 MPH. Because local rainfall amounts may range from 1 to 3 inches over an hour-long period at times, the NWS has also issued an Areal Flood Watch for the area until 10:00 PM tonight. Creeks and streams may overflow their banks, and flash flooding is possible in urban areas.

Tornado watch issued for Montgomery County, Washington, D.C., parts of Maryland and Virginia until 2 PM

Montgomery County is under a tornado watch until 2:00 PM today, May 27, 2022. The National Weather Service has issued the tornado watch for Washington, D.C., and large portions of Maryland and Virginia. A tornado watch means that weather conditions may generate one or more tornadoes in our area. Isolated hail up to a quarter in size is possible. Winds may gust up to 70 MPH.

Violent thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening. The area is under a flood watch until 11:00 PM tonight. High temperature today will be 74 degrees. Accuweather is predicting thunderstorms are likely between 3:00 and 6:00 PM today, and around 9:00 PM tonight.

What should I do if a tornado warning is issued in my area?

If a tornado is reported in your area, move quickly into a basement level or interior room. Take a flashlight and listen to local weather information on a cellphone or battery-powered radio. In advance of storms, take the opportunity to charge your cellphone. Remove any items that might blow away from your yard or balcony.

Rockville weather forecast includes strong storms, high wind gusts this afternoon and evening

A wind advisory is in effect for Rockville, and all of Montgomery County and the Washington, D.C. Metro area. The Weather Channel is currently forecasting strong storms to develop in the Rockville area between 2:00 and 3:00 PM this afternoon. A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 10:00 PM this evening. High wind gusts of up to 50 MPH are possible, causing falling trees and limbs, and power outages. Bring any unsecured objects that might blow away inside from yards and balconies.

Radar via The Weather Channel

Maryland governor advises residents to "use common sense" during bomb cyclone snow storm; 2-3" accumulation expected in Rockville

A winter storm affecting the entire state of Maryland today is now expected to result in 2-3" of snow accumulation in Bethesda and Rockville, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of Montgomery County further north could receive between 3" and 5", the agency said at 4:34 AM this morning. Accuweather is predicting a smaller total of "an inch or two." Of greater concern will be the high winds, which are expected to gust up to 55 MPH at times.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R)

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) advised residents to "[s]tay tuned to your local news stations for updates, heed warnings from state and local authorities, and most importantly, use common sense." Meteorologists are describing the storm as a "bomb cyclone." What is a bomb cyclone or bombogenesis? A storm that strengthens quickly at its beginning, with a rapid fall in barometric pressure over a shorter period of time, is how Accuweather defines the terms. The high winds expected today are a typical characteristic of a bomb cyclone storm.

Because of the high winds, which may continue until 1:00 AM Sunday morning, any loose objects in yards or on balconies should be tied down or brought indoors as early as possible this morning. Winds are expected to cause power outages and falling trees across the area through early Sunday. We are now under a wind advisory and winter weather advisory.