Chaos In Arlington As Severe Storm Rolls Through

ARLINGTON, VA -- It was quite the chaotic scene in Arlington after a vicious storm that possibly spawned a tornado rolled through the area.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Arlington shortly before 4 p.m., sending everyone scrambling for cover. Wind gusts of around 70 miles per hour were reported at Reagan National Airport, and downed trees were everywhere.

There were multiple reports of transformers exploding, including this one below in Ballston:

Storm and transformer explosion in Ballston Arlington, VA from 11th floor @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/oiVT6AYwxx
— Morgan Allen (@MAllen703) May 23, 2019

The storm took down power lines on Glebe Road, prompting police to close it in both directions near Route 50.

TRAFFIC ALERT⚠️: Glebe Rd is closed in both directions from Rt 50 to Henderson Rd due to downed live power lines. Closure expected to last 8-12 hours. Avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/WRDhABkP0n
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) May 23, 2019

Additional photos from the road closure on Glebe Road. The roadway is expected to remain closed for 8-12 hours. Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/qZ9Ezj7WH8
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) May 23, 2019

Several local residents took some spectacular video of the storm.

Took this pretty sweet time-lapse from my place on Lee Highway in Arlington. Wicked storm!! Hint of rotation to boot. @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/BrykYMbFmt
— Gregorio (@Agent_Greg) May 23, 2019

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is investigating the damage on the National Mall after the storm moved east away from Arlington.

We're investigating thunderstorm damage from Thursday on the National Mall. We'll provide more details after the survey is completed. pic.twitter.com/dUnSik6i08
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) May 24, 2019

While it's not yet confirmed whether a tornado did end up touching down -- which radar appeared to show -- there was a confirmed EF-1 tornado north in Columbia, Md. spawned by the same squall line.

During the tornado warning in Columbia, MD today.
Photo from John Taylor pic.twitter.com/GsvtwlYr1d
— Justin Berk (@JustinWeather) May 24, 2019

Cleanup from what Howard Co. officials are calling a possible tornado. A tree sliced through a home here in Columbia. No serious injuries. @fox5dc pic.twitter.com/0O96BeiVyB
— Evan Lambert (@EvanLambertTV) May 23, 2019