Storms push through Washington region, felling trees and knocking out power - The Washington Post

Storms push through Washington region, felling trees and knocking out power - The Washington Post Rain and wind lashed the Washington region Saturday as the dangerous weather system that brought death and destruction elsewhere in the United States pushed through the city and its surroundings. Two or three tornado warnings were issued for portions of the region. By late Saturday, it was not immediately clear whether any actual tornadoes had touched down. However, effects of a powerful storm were everywhere. Trees toppled onto cars and houses, water rose in low-lying areas and electricity was cut off to thousands of homes and businesses. As the storm’s toll in the South was reported, the Washington area was alerted continually about the possibility of tornadoes or the approach of strong thunderstorms. In one urgent warning, residents of part of Carroll County, Md., were told Saturday evening by the National Weather Service to “take cover . . . Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building . . . Protect yourself from flying debris.” It was not certain that a tornado had touched down in the county, but accounts suggested that a fierce storm had passed through. In one place, a barn was pushed off its foundation and onto Route 27. Many trees were down, officials said.