Severe Weather Impacts Washington, D.C.
Severe weather has struck Washington, D.C., resulting in two fatalities and widespread power outages across the country. The National Weather Service reported that two tornadoes touched down in Illinois and Indiana, one of which was rated EF-3.
In the wake of the storm, hundreds of thousands remain without power, and reports indicate that hail as large as 6 inches was recorded in Illinois. In the D.C. area, temperatures have plummeted from the 70s to the 30s on March 12, creating hazardous conditions.
Wet snow is currently falling in parts of the D.C. area, making roads and sidewalks slick. Residents are advised to exercise caution as temperatures are expected to drop to near 30° by Friday morning. A warm front is anticipated to move over the area, pushing temperatures back into the 50s.
Looking ahead, another storm is expected to impact the D.C. area on Monday, with highs projected in the low to mid 60s. However, a blast of cold air is forecasted to arrive Monday night, causing Tuesday’s highs to struggle to reach 40°.
The weekend forecast indicates dry conditions on Saturday, with temperatures rising from near 40° to the mid 50s. A tornado watch remains in effect until 1 p.m. ET for eastern Georgia, much of South Carolina, and the Florida Panhandle.
Residents have shared their experiences of the severe weather. Cassidy Sinwelski recounted, “We went into the bathroom, got a piece of plywood and within minutes, I closed my eyes, the lights flickered, and we just — there was nothing.” David Ferris added, “We had another house where a guy crawled out. He was having some trouble breathing because he was covered in house insulation.”
As the region grapples with these extreme weather conditions, Tucker Barnes noted, “Most of it will melt on contact, so road impacts are unlikely.” However, he also remarked, “The March lion will certainly be roaring quite a bit over the next few days.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and recovery efforts as the situation continues to develop.
