Severe weather struck the D.C. region on Friday afternoon, fueled by intense heat and humidity. The storms brought destructive winds reaching up to 80 mph, heavy rain, and large hail, resulting in widespread damage and two fatalities.
In Fairfax County, Virginia, a woman was killed around 5:30 p.m. when a tree toppled onto her vehicle on Frye Road in Woodlawn, according to police. Det. Ingrid Palencia advised residents to stay home if possible and to report any hazards, such as downed power lines.
Shortly after, another tree fell on a vehicle along the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Fort Hunt, killing another person. U.S. Park Police confirmed the incident but offered no additional details.
Maryland also saw significant damage, with numerous trees falling in Montgomery and Frederick counties, hitting homes and utility lines. The National Weather Service had earlier issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the entire region, warning of damaging winds and hail as large as golf balls. The watch has since been canceled.
By 6 p.m., law enforcement reported numerous downed trees in Frederick County, and a weather spotter recorded golf ball-sized hail in Westminster. Earlier, central Montgomery County experienced storm gusts up to 80 mph, particularly in Germantown and Gaithersburg.
Pete Piringer, a spokesperson for Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, noted multiple downed trees and wires, including one tree that fell on a home in Brinklow. Fairfax County emergency crews also reported 14 downed power lines, two trees hitting houses, and one fire linked to the storms.
The storms also disrupted air travel, prompting ground stops at Reagan National and BWI Airports through 9 p.m.
Storm activity first reached the region’s western suburbs around 3:30 p.m., prompting warnings for parts of Maryland and Virginia. As evening progressed, strong winds up to 70 mph were recorded from Thurmont, Maryland, to Leesburg, Virginia.
High temperatures in the upper 80s and muggy conditions intensified the storms, creating a volatile setup for the region.
According to the National Weather Service, more rounds of storms were possible into Friday night, with damaging winds and hail as the primary risks. Some neighborhoods might avoid storms, but any that do form could become strong to severe.
Forecast Overview
Friday Evening:
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely, though not guaranteed in every area. Storms may bring strong winds, hail, and heavy rain. Temperatures will drop from the 80s into the 70s. Winds will be light from the southwest.
Friday Night:
Showers and storms will linger overnight. Lows will fall between 65–70°F with light southwest winds.
Saturday:
The day starts cloudy and humid with a chance of early showers or storms, followed by clearing skies and decreasing humidity. Highs will reach 85–89°F with gusty southwest winds.
Sunday:
Expect mostly sunny skies and lower humidity. Highs near 80°F with light northwest breezes.
Monday:
Dry and sunny conditions continue into the new week, with highs in the mid to upper 70s and breezy northwest winds.
