Sunday Storm Devastates Trees – Many Homes Without Power

Thanks to all the readers who sent in photos of the devastation. It painful to see all these beautiful trees knocked down. It makes me appreciate the programs supported by Casey Trees that much more.

Mt. Pleasant

More photos and a press release from DDOT after the jump.

Alert DC says:

“Appx 28,000 customers are currently without electrical power in D.C. due to this afternoon’s severe thunderstorm. Additionally, several trees are blocking roads throught the District, and several wires are down. PEPCO, DDOT, DPW, and other agencies are aware of the storm damage, and are responding as quickly as possible. If you must travel around the city, please use the utmost caution and be alert for these hazards.”

Petworth

5100 block of 3rd st NW

DDOT Press release:

A storm burst that came through the Washington region in the early evening has felled over approximately 70 trees and large limbs throughout the District. Power outages are also being reported in a number of neighborhoods with traffic signals out along some major routes.

The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration (UFA), along with DDOT’s Traffic Operations and Safety Inspector and Oversight Division are working with the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) and the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) to coordinate emergency response, secure areas with downed electrical wires, and to remove large trees that have fallen and are blocking roadways.

Residents and travelers are advised of the following:

· STAY AWAY from downed wires. Pepco or other electrical experts will be dispatched as soon as possible. Also, if traveling do not drive over downed wires, drive around or go another way.

· Call 311 for any downed trees or large limbs causing damage or blocking roadways or sidewalks. Please provide a specific address including building number and street name, if available, so crews can quickly identify the location.

· If you have to travel on the roadways, please treat any signals that are dark as a 4-way stop. This means the first vehicle to the intersection stops and then proceeds first. Please wait your turn.

· If you have to travel on the roadways, please be alert for possible blocked streets due to downed trees and be prepared to turn around or detour around an area.

· If you can, please clear sidewalks of any small fallen tree branches and debris. Place the debris at the curb so DDOT UFA crews can pick it up later in the week.

Trees are removed from roads first, followed by trees on houses and then those that have fallen on sidewalks. Removal of trees that have fallen near or on power lines requires coordination with Pepco. Citizens should note that it can take up to two to three weeks to get all debris and limbs cleared from public space.