weather

Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

From AlertDC:

“The National Weather Service (NWS) reports the temperature is 90 degrees, with a HEAT INDEX of 96 degrees. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has activated the Heat Emergency Plan. MPD, FEMS, DDOT and the Ward Outreach have been notified.

As temperatures rise, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and DC Water urge those in the District to beat the heat without tampering with fire hydrants. Unauthorized hydrant use can hamper firefighting, damage the water system and cause injury. It can also flood streets, creating traffic dangers and it can lower the water pressure for everyone on the block.

Residents and visitors in the District can keep cool by staying in shade or air conditioning and drinking plenty of water. When the temperature or heat index reaches 95, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions against the heat. If they do not live in an air-conditioned building, they may take refuge at a District indoor swimming pool, spray parks, cooling center, recreation facility, senior center or other air-conditioned building. More information, and locations, can be found at heat.dc.gov or by contacting the heat hotline at 202-399-7093.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Nathan Stewart

First we freak out, then we name it, then we start compiling happy hour specials obviously.

Gulp. Thanks to a reader for passing on this story from Rolling Stone:

“When the big storm hits D.C., the resulting disaster may not kill as many as Katrina, or flood as much physical real estate as Harvey, but the toll it takes on American institutions will be unfathomable. The storm will paralyze many of the agencies that operate and defend the nation, raising the specter of national-security threats.

Heavy rains over the headwaters of the Potomac released a deluge into the city 13 times between 1877 and 1996. The most notable floods were 1936, when the Potomac destroyed every single bridge but one along a 185-mile stretch, and 1942, when the river inundated the National Mall.”

Full report here.

John writes:

“2900 block of Sherman in the height of the storm. Water was coming down one of the alleys running downhill from GA Ave like a river.”

Weston writes:

“Atlantic Plumbing (apts) could use a plumber. Ground floor and adjoining stores flooded. Water dripping from ceiling on first floor as well.”

Many more after the jump. (more…)

Holy smokes. Thanks to Clare for sending:

“Some friends and I got stuck on the Potomac during the storm last night. Hid in the storm drain from hail and lightning, then had to book it to beat the flash flood – all of us managed to stay on our boards!”

That is scary as hell – glad you all made it out safely!!

DCD in Spring Valley

Jeff in Grant Circle, Petworth

Photo by PoPville flickr user Liz

Photo by PoPville flickr user Jim Havard

Photo by PoPville flickr user Philip Dierking

Photo by Erin Kelly: “Another summer rain, another rainbow”

More photos after the jump. (more…)

Thanks to Oliver for sending yesterday afternoon from 12th and O Street, NW.

So how does the tree get pulverized like that? It doesn’t look like a lightning strike. The leaves just too heavy and the whole top just sorta crumbles over?