Wind Storm Update + Nowcast

5:55 PM:

This area of precip is about to hit MoCo. You may see some downpours, and probably some really gusty winds. It will have to be closely watched. I see up to 50 DBZ in this area, but you will start out with low rate precip.

5:30 PM:

This area of precipitation moving (south)east needs to be watched carefully. Winds could be enough to deem this severe. It isn't a small amount of precip either. Radar is still filling in with precip(LWX radar). This area of precip could hit MoCo and DC. 

5 PM:

The severe thunderstorm warning for Germantown will be allowed to expire at 5 PM. However, the thunderstorm warning continues for Southern MoCo. Penny sized hail and 70 MPH winds possible.

4:50 PM:

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR ALL OF MOCO! 60 MPH WIND EXPECTED AND PENNY SIZE HAIL POSSIBLE! GET INSIDE, STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS, AND SEEK SHELTER NOW! THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY!!

4:25 PM:

These are the peak winds recorded so far. The winner is Petersburg, with a gust of 62 MPH. You can see most of the region has at least 40 MPH winds and theres a good amount who saw over 50 MPH winds. These numbers may increase.

4:10 PM:

At this point of time, we are in the height of the storm, in peak wind(wind will be sustained throughout the evening). So much damage reports are coming in, including fires caused by downed power lines. Around 3000 people are without power in MD, with more to come as the night goes on. Some roads will be blocked. Lots of wind reports at 50-60 MPH. 

This line of showers may contain pea size hail(0.25" hail) and 50-55 MPH winds. This will make the situation worse. It's right now hitting Washington County and Winchester, and may hit Frederick County, Loudoun County, and MoCo. Lots of reports of pea size hail with this line of showers.

2:30 PM:

Throughout the region right now, widespread wind gusts of 45-60 MPH are being observed. Isolated wind gusts that are higher than right now are possible through the evening, and a wind gust of around 70 MPH cannot be ruled out in Northern Maryland's higher elevations. Scattered shower activity will peak this evening, and thunder + small hail are plausible and can't be ruled out because of cold mid levels.  Lows in the 40s with wind chills in the 20s are expected tonight.

- Paraphrased from Forecasters Discussion

1:50 PM:

These are the latest recorded wind gusts. As you can see, the highest gust so far is 58 MPH in Cumberland. In MoCo, 48-50 MPH gusts are being recorded. We are approaching peak wind time, which should be around 3-5 PM. Winds are starting to really pick up everywhere, and sustained winds are also rising too. A lot of downed tree reports came in at the same time, and with sustained winds plus wind gusts, trees and power lines will become weak and even fall. Already some pretty good wind damage here. Lots of tree logs(>3") have fallen and been blown away.

12:25 PM:

In the past hour or so, the wind reports have been exploding like crazy. Someone has also died from this event. A tree fell on their vehicle. Many reports of downed power lines and fallen trees. In MoCo, a tree fell and caused an accident with 3 injuries(I-495/Beltway Outer Loop After I-270). It's getting really bad out there. And the worst part? We aren't even at peak winds yet. In the next hour or two, we will reach peak winds. The max wind gust reported in Maryland was 54 MPH in Thurmont. The highest recorded so far in the DMV is 57 MPH in Kline Gap, WV. Outages are rising. Around 2300 in Maryland and 230 in MoCo. Please stay safe everybody!

10:10 AM:

Already some tree damage occuring. Lots of twigs and logs have been broken and fell on the ground.

9:50 AM:

The high wind warning has been extended to include all of MoCo, Loudoun County, DC, PG county, and the Shenandoah Mountains. 25 - 35 MPH sustained winds are expected with gusts up to 60 MPH. There is high confidence of a stronger wind field and long duration of wind. The warning is until 2 AM Saturday EDT. The strong winds will result in widespread tree damage and power outages. And, some reports are already coming in. We aren't seeing peak winds yet, too!

As you can see, there are multiple wind reports across the DMV. In NE Fairfax County, there is a report of downed wires. In SW Cecil County, there is a report of a tree fallen onto the ground. These reports are going to start to explode as winds pick up.