Damaging Winds and Lightning Strikes in Virginia, August 17, 1997

Clusters of strong to severe thunderstorms developed in very unstable hot humid air during the afternoon and evening of the 17th. Some areas were hit repeatedly, while others received nary a drop of rain. The most severe storm of the day drifted across eastern Loudoun Co and into western Fairfax Co, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars damage to property and trees. The storm struck Sterling first, where an 800 lb. section of chimney was blown onto a low roof. Shortly thereafter, a 63 mph gust was recorded at Washington/Dulles International Airport (IAD).The cell drifted into western Fairfax Co, producing widespread tree, limb, and wire damage in Herndon and Reston. Direct wind-related damage to homes included shingle, siding, and a couple of blown-out windows. However, falling trees and large limbs produced much more substantial damage. Four homes were temporarily condemned; an additional 24 homes sustained minor to moderate damage. One home lost a section of roof, and rain water damage to interior material (such as furniture) was extensive. At another home, a tree fell onto a fuel meter, causing a small leak. At least two vehicles were damaged by falling tree debris. Over 100 trees were damaged, and at least 20 roads were blocked immediately after the storm.Lightning associated with the same cell struck the concourse at IAD, causing slight injuries to three airline food service personnel. The combination of lightning and wind left an estimated 23,000 customers in the Herndon and Reston area without power. Virginia Power reported a total of 31,000 customers were in the dark during the height of the storm.Other severe storms developed as the entire area drifted south. In Culpeper Co, several large limbs blocked portions of local route 625 north of the city of Culpeper. A barn roof was lifted by winds in the Nokesville (Prince William Co) area; specifically at the intersection of state route 28 and Fitzwater. Several trees were uprooted, and some wires downed, as well.Additional storms developed after sunset, adding to the localized rain totals and causing more damage. Lightning struck a home in Dale City, causing an attic fire. The repeating cells dumped a total of 3.32 inches of rain at IAD, while a storm spotter in nearby Sterling received less than 1.5 inches. The blinding rains may have contributed to an automobile accident in Herndon; six passengers suffered some degree of injury when their vehicle struck a tree.