# Windstorm in DC/VA **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 2, 2018, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891 "2018-03-02T16:00:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/1 "2018-03-02T16:00:09Z")
It’s crazy windy here today: sustained winds of 30-40mph, with gusts into the 60s. The big winds started after midnight, and the worst of it is expected to continue until this evening. I’m working from home, because this kind of wind seriously scares my dog; also, I want to be here if the power goes off. Government offices in DC are closed, schools are closed, and so far I’ve seen two notifications from local businesses saying that they’ve lost power and/or phone service and are closed (at least temporarily). Friends who live nearby lost power at 3am; my power went off at 10am, but just for a few seconds. My neighborhood has overhead power lines but has survived wind/snow storms in the past, so it’s 50/50 whether I’ll lose power again later (and for longer). I went to the grocery store last night after realizing that all of the food I have in the house needs to be nuked…not much good if the power goes out for longer than a few hours. 😃 I also brought my yard decoration and welcome mats inside, and pushed the patio furniture together up against the house. I pulled my car all the way up into my driveway, too, actually next to the house: there is still a tree above it, but I figure it’s less likely to be hit by random things blowing around (I _really_ miss having a garage). And before I went to bed I plugged in everything that can be charged, and downloaded some TV shows/movies to my new iPad Pro. The wind woke me up at 3am, and again at 6am – at which time I decided to just stay up. I definitely didn’t get enough sleep, but I’ll either take a nap later or go to bed early tonight. Or maybe both. 😉 Anyone else in this area (who still has power) want to commiserate? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/2 "2018-03-02T16:06:59Z")
Our office in Reston, VA is without power. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/3 "2018-03-02T16:37:17Z")
I’m assuming that my office (in Tysons Corner) has power, because I haven’t seen any emails/notifications otherwise. But a friend who headed out this way a couple of hours ago said it looked like lots of places in McLean/Tysons were without power. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for my house… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/4 "2018-03-02T16:42:47Z")
I woke around 2 and heard stuff falling on the roof - most likely sticks and smaller branches. Woke again at 4, and the howling was even worse. Got into the shower a little after 5 and as I lathered my hair, the lights started blinking. We’re on a well, so losing power while you’re soapy isn’t a pleasant thought - fortunately, the lights eventually stayed on. I assume the schools closed because of the chance of trees across roads as well as the bad combination of gusts and school buses. Our county was scheduled for a half day today anyway - end of quarter, I think. My commute in wasn’t bad, but I drive a Sonata, and I was buffeted a few times - I was glad I no longer drive a van - that would have been a bit more exciting, methinks. And so far today, not a flicker at work. That’s good, because I don’t save my work as often as I should, but bad because if we lost power, we could goof off! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/5 "2018-03-02T17:21:20Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > I also brought my yard decoration and welcome mats inside, and pushed the patio furniture together up against the house. I pulled my car all the way up into my driveway, too, actually next to the house: there is still a tree above it, but I figure it’s less likely to be hit by random things blowing around (I _really_ miss having a garage). Just wanted to say, as someone who lives in an area where those sorts of winds are more common than where you are, that the above are some of the smartest things you could do. Securing loose objects is a big deal (I’d say even better if you could have actually brought the furniture inside or tied it down, but I’m guessing your area isn’t really equipped materially or mentally for this sort of thing) and so is protecting your car. Sounds like you’re ready for what may come - hope all stays well where you are. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/6 "2018-03-02T17:40:12Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I woke around 2 and heard stuff falling on the roof - most likely sticks and smaller branches. Something hit the bedroom window (right behind my head) at 6am. I assume it was a small branch. I momentarily got paranoid about something coming through one of the windows, but quickly realized that was highly unlikely. 🙂 > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I assume the schools closed because of the chance of trees across roads as well as the bad combination of gusts and school buses. That’s what I figured, too. Plus the idea of little kids walking around in this wind. A friend posted this morning about the irony of schools being closed when big brick buildings are pretty safe, and in my head I was like “It’s about the _getting_ there, silly!” > [@Broomstick](#): > > Just wanted to say, as someone who lives in an area where those sorts of winds are more common than where you are, that the above are some of the smartest things you could do. Woo hoo! I did something smart! Thanks! 🆒 > [@Broomstick](#): > > even better if you could have actually brought the furniture inside or tied it down My house is very small; I don’t have the space to bring the patio chairs and table inside. But I did think about that, when I was moving the yard decoration into the laundry room. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/7 "2018-03-02T18:08:19Z")
Lights flickering again… ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/8 "2018-03-02T18:11:06Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > My house is very small; I don’t have the space to bring the patio chairs and table inside. But I did think about that, when I was moving the yard decoration into the laundry room. Yeah, sometimes you can only do so much. I don’t have a garage, either. I’ve been known to park the vehicles in the lee of the building to avoid wind damage. It’s been successful so far. You’ll have to do a little pick up around your property when everything calms down. Bits of roofing are a common find. ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/9 "2018-03-02T18:22:13Z")
DC schools had a parent conference day scheduled, and they announced they were cancelled at 8:30 (they weren’t scheduled to start until 11). I’m support staff, so I was already there. I had a lot I needed uninterrupted time to do, so I stayed until 11:30. There were some messed up lights; there were two lights about 30-40 feet apart that were out of sync. Driving by all the construction sites in NOMA was a little scary. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/10 "2018-03-02T18:22:14Z")
My husband said our yard is full of sticks and branches - big surprise… Unfortunately, he took our riding mower in for service yesterday, so we’ll have to pull the cart the old fashioned way as we pick up the debris then haul it into the woods. Where’s a boy scout looking for a good deed when you need one?? ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/11 "2018-03-02T18:36:27Z")
As a Federal government worker, I’m enjoying my free holiday. There’s a fair amount of small and medium-sized deadfall in the yard, but nothing big enough that it would have dented a car if it had landed on one. We were scheduled to have a new roof put on today - they brought the materials by yesterday. But yesterday morning, after hearing the forecast, I called up Thompson Creek and encouraged them to postpone if they had any concerns about safety, because I sure did. They called back later in the day to postpone the work to Monday. Good thing - you’d have to be nuts to work on a roof with all this wind. ETA: Every now and then I hear a branch land on the roof and bounce off. And every time I think, “Not a problem - new roof on Monday!” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/12 "2018-03-02T18:42:11Z")
My dog was kind of agitated early this morning, but she’s been super calm for the past few hours. Hanging out in all of her usual spots (instead of the “storm central” bathroom), going outside with no problem, eating, etc. She’s even sleeping on her dog bed in my home office with me right now. I’m pretty amazed – and relieved! > [@Skywatcher](#): > > Lights flickering again… Nothing since the 10am flicker for me. So far. > [@Broomstick](#): > > You’ll have to do a little pick up around your property when everything calms down. Bits of roofing are a common find. I’ve been watching the roof tiles on my neighbor’s shed flap around all day (from my home office window). I am frankly amazed that none of them has detached yet. > [@P-man](#): > > Driving by all the construction sites in NOMA was a little scary. I can imagine! :eek: > [@FairyChatMom](#): > > My husband said our yard is full of sticks and branches - big surprise… Unfortunately, he took our riding mower in for service yesterday, so we’ll have to pull the cart the old fashioned way as we pick up the debris then haul it into the woods. Where’s a boy scout looking for a good deed when you need one?? Yeah, I’ve taken the dog into the back yard a few times and there are tons of sticks and branches out there. I’m sure the front yard’s condition is similar. Luckily my property isn’t big enough for a riding mower, so cleanup shouldn’t take long whenever I get around to it. The radio keeps saying the wind warning is in effect until 6am, so definitely not before then! > [@RTFirefly](#): > > ETA: Every now and then I hear a branch land on the roof and bounce off. And every time I think, “Not a problem - new roof on Monday!” 😃 Ok, that’s kind of awesome! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/13 "2018-03-02T19:30:24Z")
I think I figured out what kept waking me last night: stuff banging into the kitchen & bathroom exhaust vent on the roof. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/14 "2018-03-02T19:36:36Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > As a Federal government worker, I’m enjoying my free holiday. No holiday for me! I’ve been working from home for the past five years. ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/15 "2018-03-02T20:04:43Z")
My wife’s motorcycle got knocked over; she moved it next to a tree to make sure it stays up. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/16 "2018-03-02T20:11:06Z")
We’re both working from home today. My office announced early this morning that they were open, but that people could use leave as necessary. We had our power first go out just after noon. Only for a few seconds, but enough to take out both of our computers. Decided to take a lunch break, then grab the laptop and move downstairs so I could work while watching Spring Training out of the corner of my eye. The problem is that, at least 8 times now, the power has flickered off just long enough to take out the TV. Between that and the one decent-sized branch that came crashing down onto our deck, scaring the shit out of both of us and the one cat with hearing, I have to say my productivity is fairly shot for the day. Sounds like we’re doing a lot better here than some of the coastal areas of Massachusetts. Hope everyone stays safe. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/17 "2018-03-02T20:15:36Z")
My flight from Charlottesville was canceled. I just drove to Charlotte NC to get a flight home. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/18 "2018-03-02T20:16:59Z")
Yikes, **P-man** and **Asimovian**! And :eek: **Procrustus** … Incredible to think we still have ~15 hours of this to get through. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/19 "2018-03-02T20:37:00Z")
This is so… odd. At one point, Tropical Storm wind conditions, but with sunlit skies. Seems no matter where I go the atmosphere keeps trying to get me to lose sleep (the frames rattle quite a bit, landlord’s gotta put in some shims…) In a way, though, it’s a good thing that it happens “dry” and while most trees are leafless, since else I can imagine _ **a lot** _ of felled trees with the consequential power and comms cuts if there were foliage or if there was ice accumulating. (And well done **Misnomer** , you’d fit well in the hurricane belt.) Working from my apartment now due to the government closings (just took a call from a Corps of Engineers officer from Jacksonville, trying to contact my boss who it so happens is in San Juan). In the morning I had a medical scan scheduled that went on as planned: it was in a highrise and you could feel it shudder; getting there and back I noticed many traffic lights out in Alexandria. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2018, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891/20 "2018-03-02T20:47:54Z")
For those who like stats, here are the peak gusts (in MPH) so far today for a variety of locations, courtesy of the Capital Weather Gang: Dahlgren, Va. – 75 Dulles Airport, Va. – 71 Ballenger Creek, Md. – 69 Gaithersburg, Md. – 69 Patuxent River, Md. – 68 Upper Marlboro, Md. – 67 Downtown Washington, D.C. (near Union Station) – 66 Catholic University, D.C. – 66 Sabillasville, Md. – 64 Flint, Md. – 62 Andrews AFB, Md – 62 Washington National, Va. – 62 Leesburg, Va. – 61 Winchester, Va. – 61 Chaptico, Md. – 60 Manassas, Va. – 60 U.S. Capitol, D.C. – 58 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windstorm-in-dc-va/809891.md?page=2)