3 Vehicles Damaged, Portion Of I-495 Closed Due To Fallen Tree

ROCKVILLE, MD — High winds that have placed Maryland under a warning until early Saturday morning have already done damage after a three fell on three vehicles, the Maryland State Police reported.

The tree fell just after 11 a.m. when state troopers arrived at the Outer Loop of I-495 near Old Georgetown Road and found the tree had fallen onto the vehicles.

No one was injured, the state police reported, but the fallen tree caused a portion of the Beltway to be closed for about 30 minutes while the tree was being removed by the Montgomery County Fire Department, police said.

The National Weather Service reported that local residents should expect power outagesthroughout the region because of high winds. Northwest winds are expected to reach 25-35 mph and gusts of up to 60 mph could be seen across the region, officials said.

The highest gusts are expected between 4 and 11 p.m. Friday, the weather service said, and tree damage is to be expected.

"People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches," according to the high wind warning. "If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive."

Patch editor Elizabeth Janney contributed to this report.