More than 10,000 without power amid severe weather in Northern VA

WASHINGTON — Thousands of people were left without power in Northern Virginia Saturday evening as severe weather moved through the DMV.

As of 7 p.m., Dominion Energy reported more than 7,000 customers without power in Loudoun County, more than 6,000 in Fauquier County and 3,700 in Fairfax County. Another 400 customers in Alexandria were without power as well.

The National Weather Service in Sterling, Virginia, issued a severe thunderstorm warning Saturday afternoon for large portions of Northern Virginia, D.C. and central Maryland. NWS warned the areas could potentially see destructive wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour that could cause trees or large branches to fall.

A flood watch was also in effect for much of the DMV until 10 p.m. A severe thunderstorm watch was set to expire at 9 p.m.

The WUSA9 Weather Team recommends you keep devices charged during severe weather and have a plan to get indoors when storms arrive. Avoid driving over flooded roads, and be aware that as little as 6 inches of fast moving water is enough to knock and adult off of their feet. One foot or 12 inches of water is enough to float a car and small SUVs, while 18 inches of water is enough to carry away most vehicles.