Massive Near-Hurricane Wind Gust Reported in PG County

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD — A powerful wind gust of 72 miles per hour, just two miles off of hurricane strength, was reported at Joint Base Andrews recently as high winds sweep through the D.C. area.

ABC 7 reported that of the highest wind gusts recorded last night, Joint Base Andrews topped the list with an astonishing 72 mile-per-hour gust. By comparison, a category 1 hurricane has a minimum sustained wind speed of 74 miles per hour.

The 72 mile-per-hour mark topped the other high totals throughout the region, with second place going to Reagan National Airport in Arlington with 66 miles per hour, and nearby Hyattsville reporting a 63 mile-per-hour gust.

Authorities are reporting widespread power outages because of the winds, and damage has been reported around the area, including scaffolding blown off the side of a building in D.C. and a huge tree falling into power lines in McLean, Va.

Highest wind gusts measured since last last night. @JBA_NAFW (Andrews) saw 72mph gust! @VJohnsonABC7 @ABC7EileenW pic.twitter.com/SfhN2JM2ws
— Brian van de Graaff (@ABC7Brian) February 13, 2017

Image via Wikimedia user Joanjoc