It seems like every block on the Hill has a tree down — across roads, on sidewalks, houses and cars — whatever was in the way when the easterly winds, which hit speeds in excess of 70 mph in some areas, wound the rains into a horizontal sheet between 11:45 p.m. Thursday and 12:15 a.m. Friday morning.
The east side of the District, especially Capitol Hill, was hit particularly hard, Capitol Weather noted Frday morning. Trees blocked the streets on 11th and 12th Street NE. A massive tree a century or more old broke in Lincoln Park some 20 feet from the ground; a similarly old tree on C Street NE at 17th Place NE broke at about 6 feet and landed on the sidewalk. In Trinidad, tiles on a roof deck were completely ripped off and flew to the street; a DC Flag was found, soaked and mournful, fallen to the front stoop of a Northeast home.
But considering the level of damage to trees, there were no injuries reported on the Hill. DC Fire EMS had a very busy night, responding to 944 calls Thursday (there were 668 the night before). Firefighters evacuated residents from a home on the 200 block of Eighth Street SE after a massive tree landed on the house. No-one was injured.
Large Tree on Row Home – 200 Block of 8th Street SE
All occupants evacuated from home with large tree on roof.
No injuries. @DC_DOB and @DDOTDC to assist with mitigating this incident. pic.twitter.com/Vvp2rof8UJ
— DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) September 4, 2026
Several vehicles were smashed by fallen trees, including one on Corbin Avenue NE and another at Fifth and F Streets SE. Windows were smashed in homes.
And on G Street near 9th Street SE, a tree was struck by lightning, leaving what one bystander said “smells like a campfire.”
Another thunderstorm is expected Friday night. It is not expected to be as intense as Thursday’s storm, but residents should take precautions, particularly where damage may have made homes or vehicles vulnerable.
Power Outages & Downed Wires
If you are experiencing a power outage or see a downed power line, please report it immediately. Always stay far away from downed wires, as they may still be live.
Call: 1-877-737-2662
Online: pepco.com
Downed or Fallen Trees
To report trees blocking roadways, sidewalks, or properties, contact DC 311. Crews are prioritizing clearing main roads, streets, and hazardous areas first.
Call or Text: 311 or 202-737-4404
Online: 311.dc.gov
X (Twitter): @311DCGOV
If you encounter unhoused neighbors who need shelter assistance or a welfare check, call the DC Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311.
