A fast-moving storm swept through Northwest Washington on Tuesday evening, toppling large trees, bringing down power lines and sending temperatures plunging nearly 15 degrees in less than an hour.
The storm struck around 6 p.m., bringing strong winds, heavy rain and localized flash flooding to parts of Northwest Washington. The damage appeared concentrated in that part of the District, where fallen trees blocked streets and damaged property and electrical infrastructure.
Nearly 600 customers in the District remained without power as of 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Among the most significant disruptions was on Massachusetts Avenue NW at Idaho Avenue, where a large tree fell across the roadway, blocking the major thoroughfare.
Nearby, at Idaho Avenue and Quebec Street NW, another tree crashed onto a children’s playhouse, crushing the structure.
The storm also caused significant damage to the electrical grid. At 37th and Porter streets NW, a utility pole shattered, while behind Sidwell Friends School, a large tree fell onto power lines.
Farther east, strong winds knocked over the awning of a gas station along Georgia Avenue NW.
The storm brought an abrupt break from the day’s heat. Temperatures fell nearly 15 degrees in less than an hour as the system passed through the area, accompanied by intense rainfall that produced flash flooding in parts of Northwest Washington.
By Wednesday morning, evidence of the storm remained scattered across the area, with downed trees, broken branches and damaged utility equipment marking the path of the unusually localized system.
Crews continued working to restore electricity Wednesday morning, with nearly 600 customers still without power at 6 a.m.
