Storm kills 1, knocks out power

A brief, powerful thunderstorm with winds exceeding 50 miles per hour killed one person and left 500,000 in the Washington area without power today.

Tornado warnings were issued across the region and are in effect until 8 p.m. Fire officials in Chesapeake Beach, Md., said a tornado hit the Trader’s Seafood Steak and Ale Restaurant, according to a news report. The National Weather Service does not confirm tornado reports until an investigation is complete.

A tree and live power lines fell in Annandale at Hummer and Marshall roads, striking a vehicle and killing one person,whom police did not identify.

Metro service on the Orange Line was forced to stop at the East Falls Church station during the evening rush hour after power lines fell across both tracks past the station at about 3:30 p.m., according to reports. Metro is providing free shuttle bus transportation in both directions.

Power is also out at the Georgia Avenue/Petworth Metro station, though Green and Yellow line trains continue to run and the station is still open.

The strong wind also caused major delays at Ronald Reagan Washington National and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall airports.

Traffic lights were out in Loudoun County, and gas stations in the vicinity are expected to be inoperable until power is restored

A second storm is expected to hit the Washington area after 8 p.m.