D.C. Traffic Alert/Storm Update

***Traffic Alert/Storm Update***

Over 20 Intersections Have Traffic Signals Still Out

Over 270 Reports of Damage by Trees



(Washington, D.C.) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and emergency response crews continue to respond to downed trees and traffic signals out due to power outages throughout the District. Generators to compatible traffic signals have been placed at some intersections as well as portable stop signs installed at others providing some relief to rush hour traffic, however, over 20 traffic signals remain out due to power outages. Motorists are requested to treat traffic signals that remain out as a 4-way stop. Motorists should allow additional travel time this morning as some delays may be in effect.



Major corridors with some signals still out include:

· Benning Road, SE

· Michigan Avenue, NE

· Minnesota Avenue, NE

· Nannie Helen Borroughs, NE

· South Dakota, NE

· Connecticut Avenue, NW

· Missouri Avenue, NW

· Military Road, NW

· Wisconsin Avenue, NW



DDOT Traffic Control Officers have been dispatched to major intersections throughout the city to facilitate traffic. DDOT Roadway Operation Patrols also respond to rush hour traffic incidents in an effort to clear roadways quickly.



DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration crews have been cutting and clearing downed trees over night. Approximately 20 full large trees fell from both private and public space. Over 270 reports of downed trees or very large limbs or portions of trees causing damage were reported after the late afternoon storm that moved quickly through the region yesterday. Crews will continue to cut and clear tree debris in public space throughout the day. Areas where wires are down require coordination with Pepco. Property owners are responsible for clearing debris from private space. No trees are currently down along major commuter routes.



Residents and travelers in the District are reminded to:



· STAY AWAY from downed wires. Pepco or other electrical experts will be dispatched as soon as possible. Also, if traveling do not drive over downed wires, drive around or go another way.

· Call 311 for any downed trees or large limbs causing damage or blocking roadways or sidewalks. Please provide a specific address including building number and street name, if available, so crews can quickly identify the location.

· If you have to travel on the roadways, please treat any signals that are dark as a 4-way stop. This means the first vehicle to the intersection stops and then proceeds first. Please wait your turn.

· If you have to travel on the roadways, please be alert for possible blocked streets due to downed trees and be prepared to turn around or detour around an area.

· If you can, please clear sidewalks of any small fallen tree branches and debris. Place the debris at the curb so DDOT UFA crews can pick it up later in the week.

28,000 Residents Without Power

Appx 28,000 customers are currently without electrical power in D.C. due to this afternoon's severe thunderstorm. Additionally, several trees are blocking roads throught the District, and several wires are down. PEPCO, DDOT, DPW, and other agencies are aware of the storm damage, and are responding as quickly as possible. If you must travel around the city, please use the utmost caution and be alert for these hazards.

Power Outage and Response

DDOT and Emergency Response Crews Respond Quickly
Fast and Furious Storm Downs Trees and Large Branches
Traffic Signals Out Due to Power Outages
Roadway Closures Reported Throughout the City

A storm burst that came through the Washington region in the early evening has felled over approximately 70 trees and large limbs throughout the District. Power outages are also being reported in a number of neighborhoods with traffic signals out along some major routes.

The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration (UFA), along with DDOT’s Traffic Operations and Safety Inspector and Oversight Division are working with the Metropolitan Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) and the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) to coordinate emergency response, secure areas with downed electrical wires, and to remove large trees that have fallen and are blocking roadways.

Residents and travelers are advised of the following:

• STAY AWAY from downed wires. Pepco or other electrical experts will be dispatched as soon as possible. Also, if traveling do not drive over downed wires, drive around or go another way.

• Call 311 for any downed trees or large limbs causing damage or blocking roadways or sidewalks. Please provide a specific address including building number and street name, if available, so crews can quickly identify the location.

• If you have to travel on the roadways, please treat any signals that are dark as a 4-way stop. This means the first vehicle to the intersection stops and then proceeds first. Please wait your turn.

• If you have to travel on the roadways, please be alert for possible blocked streets due to downed trees and be prepared to turn around or detour around an area.

• If you can, please clear sidewalks of any small fallen tree branches and debris. Place the debris at the curb so DDOT UFA crews can pick it up later in the week.

Trees are removed from roads first, followed by trees on houses and then those that have fallen on sidewalks. Removal of trees that have fallen near or on power lines requires coordination with Pepco. Citizens should note that it can take up to two to three weeks to get all debris and limbs cleared from public space.