Thunderstorm Wind in Montgomery County, Maryland

Extensive tree and powerline damage occurred from Silver Spring to Wheaton, Aspen Hill, and White Oak. Several homes were struck by trees which caused extensive property damage in the neighborhoods. PEPCO reported more than 18,000 customers without power in Montgomery County.

A frontal boundary sagged south into the Mid Atlantic on July 2, and combined with very strong daytime heating and instability, contributed to scattered severe thunderstorm activity. Much of the state of Maryland experienced damages from the severe thunderstorms. The worst damages occurred in the Wheaton area of Montgomery County, and also in the Cape St. Claire section of Anne Arundel County. NWS site surveys of the damages confirmed the damages were caused by straight line winds. A buoy just 5 miles from Annapolis in the Chesapeake Bay measured winds of 69 mph with these storms. Extensive property damage occurred, including numerous downed trees and powerlines. Newspaper reports indicated in excess of 100,000 customers without power in the Washington Metro Region.