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A severe thunderstorm produced a concentrated microburst with peak winds estimated at 90 mph northwest of Burke on June 22, 2026, leaving nine homes unsafe and uninhabitable and cutting power to 889 addresses across the region.

The National Weather Service confirmed the damage resulted from a non-tornadic downburst, not a tornado. “A severe thunderstorm produced a strong downburst one mile northwest of Burke VA with peak winds estimated 90 MPH,” the service reported, adding that radar showed “no evidence of rotation indicating the storm being tornadic.”

The concentrated damage began along Zion Road between Guinea Drive and Hillard Lake Road, continued across Bridgewood Drive and Falmead Road, and reached Lake Royal, with damage pushed east-northeast along the storm’s path. Trees were snapped, uprooted or stripped of large branches, scattering debris across cars, power lines, roads and homes.

Several townhomes on the east shore of Lake Royal sustained significant roof damage after winds accelerated across the water. Additional damage occurred south of the lake and along Lakepoint Drive west of Guinea Road, where a business roof was temporarily lifted.

Nine homes received red placards from local authorities declaring them unsafe and uninhabitable. Dominion Energy reported 889 addresses without power on the day of the storm. By the Sunday following the event, power had been restored to all but 66 residents.

VDOT and tree companies removed debris blocking roads and cleared downed power lines during the days after the storm. The Red Cross and World Central Kitchen provided meals and support to affected residents.

No deaths or injuries were reported. A community relief fund was established to assist displaced and otherwise affected residents, with Nancy’s Toy Drop founder Kimberly Pollard arranging to receive storm-recovery donations through the charity’s platform.

The National Weather Service noted that “severe straight line thunderstorm downburst wind gusts can sometimes produce damage equivalent to damage from EF0 and EF1 tornadoes.”