Storm Team4

Trees topple, tourist attractions close as windstorm moves through DC area

Gusts up to 50 mph caused closures on Sunday and brought trees down overnight in the D.C. area

NBC Universal, Inc.

Powerful winds continue to blow through the D.C. area Monday after strong gusts brought down trees, caused flight delays and closed tourist attractions on Sunday.

A wind advisory is in effect until 5 p.m. Monday for 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts up to 55 mph in the D.C. area. Go here for all weather alerts.

The gusts downed trees and may be responsible for the power outages in the area. Dominion Energy reported about 3,400 power outages, mostly in Fairfax County, as of 8:20 a.m.

In Bladensburg, Maryland, a tree fell across the yard of a home and onto its white fence. The tree's branches blocked part of Tilden Road and took down a power line.

The winds closed the Washington Monument and the Old Post Office Tower. News4's Mauricio Casillas reports on how the weather is impacting visitors to the nation's capital.

"I'm so thankful for that. That we're OK, and we're just getting through it," the homeowner said.

In Chevy Chase, Maryland, a tree left a gaping hole in the roof of a house's garage. Fire officials said people were inside the home when the tree fell, but no one was hurt.

On Coral Gables Lane in Vienna, Virginia, a downed tree crushed a car.

A ground delay was in effect at Dulles International Airport in Virginia until 7 p.m. Sunday due to high winds, the FAA said. Travelers arriving at and departing from the airport were told to expect delays.

"Wow! The wind packed a punch at DC’s three airports yesterday— more than **750** delays combined at DCA/IAD/BWI," News4's Joseph Olmo wrote on X.

The strong winds caused the National Park Service to close the Washington Monument and the Old Post Office Tower on Sunday. The BloomCam showed gusts causing wave-like ripples in the Tidal Basin around 1 p.m.

"The Washington Monument is closed for the remainder of the day due to high winds. We apologize for any inconvenience," @NationalMallNPS wrote on X.

Tourists on the National Mall didn't seem to mind the wind even as they held their hats down.

“I love Washington, D.C.," a woman visiting the National Mall said.

“Even in this weather?!” News4 asked.

“It’s different for me ... because in Miami, it’s very hot," she replied.

The wind is expected to peak Monday between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and settle down around sunset, Storm Team4 said. A warming trend will bring temperatures on Tuesday to the 60s and up to the 70s on Wednesday.

Contact Us