[Knute]

Just talked to my daughter in College Park. She is a grad student at the University of Maryland. The neighbor's tree fell, talking out the fence and part of her rear deck. They still have power, but that is tenuous at best.
She has invited friends over. They have firewood at the ready for the fireplace (as well as the prescribed chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers) Cars are strategically parked to provide the most protection to the newest vehicle. Cell phones are fully charged. I must say the kid is both organized and logical! She grew up in the midwest and dad's fascination with weather took us on numerous early morning survey walks after major windstorms ravaged the mature trees in our Milwaukee neighborhood.

[U S Army EOD]

Make sure she shuts off the power to anything on the rear deck.

[EverOnward]

Re your post 1734 -- Sounds like you raised your daughter right.

Couldn't get back earlier -- my daughter took over computer and our power is blinking on and off. We're keeping our flashlights within reach. At times, it becomes rather quiet here in western Fairfax County until another band comes through howling with heavy rains and wind gusts.

Between 1-2 million Virginians without power.

We're being strongly encouraged to stay home and off the roads though I occasionally see cars going by and a few neighbors strolling in the rain with flashlights swinging in the darkness (probably teenagers).