IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

High Winds in Washington D.C. Snarl Flights, Darken Capital

Almost 1,700 people remain without power.
People carry umbrellas as they walk out of the US Capitol, on March 12, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Washington area was hit with a fast moving storm causing temperatures to drop.
People carry umbrellas as they walk out of the US Capitol, on March 12, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Washington area was hit with a fast moving storm causing temperatures to drop. Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Mighty gusts of up to 60 mph left the Capital Dome dark, delayed flights and left hundreds in Washington DC without power late Wednesday.

The high winds caused an hour long ground stop of flights to Reagan National Airport according to NBC Washington and gusts were recorded at 51 mph at Dulles International Airport and 47 mph at National Airport.

Electrical surges impacted the power supply to the U.S. Capitol where an outage was reported around 8:30 p.m., spokesperson Matt Guilfoyle told NBC News. It was restored around half-an-hour later.

As of 4 a.m. ET almost 1700 people remained without power according to the Pepco power company.

“Crews are working quickly, but they have to work safely,” spokesman Bob Hainey told The Washington Post in an earlier interview.