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A powerful microburst packing winds of up to 90 mph tore through Burke on Monday, toppling trees, damaging vehicles and homes, and bringing down utility poles near Lake Royal.
The National Weather Service surveyed the Fairfax County damage after initial concerns that a tornado might have struck. Investigators found no evidence of the rotation associated with a tornado and concluded that intense straight-line winds caused the destruction.
Guinea Road remained closed between Zion Drive and Lakepointe Drive on Tuesday morning after falling trees and damaged wires brought down four utility poles.
Dozens of evergreen trees were sheared near Hillard Lake Road, leaving the smell of sap hanging in the air. Utility workers, tree crews and insurance adjusters joined residents as they assessed the extensive damage.
No injuries were reported.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Witt said the microburst’s winds approached the strength of a low-end tornado, which can produce speeds of about 70 to 75 mph. Straight-line winds can leave similar damage, he said, requiring survey teams to examine whether trees were pushed in one direction or fell in a rotating pattern.
The agency was also collecting reports from southern Maryland. It had not yet determined whether to send investigators to Waldorf, where storm damage was reported as well.