Tornado Devastation Remembered: 1927 Storm Rips Through Northern Virginia

As of November 17th, 2025, the Washington D.C. area is experiencing a chilly start to the week. Fierce winds from the northwest, gusting up to 30 mph, are making the highs in the 40s to 50 degrees feel about 10 degrees lower. Despite the plentiful sunshine, the strong winds are keeping temperatures suppressed.

Looking back in history, on this date in 1927, a violent tornado ripped through Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland, causing widespread devastation. The twister tore a 17-mile path, destroying over 200 homes in D.C. and 300 structures in Alexandria. The storm was described as a "whirling dervish" that crushed entire blocks of houses and tossed automobiles about. Remarkably, only one death was attributed to the tornado, from a lightning strike.

As for the forecast, the chilly conditions are expected to continue. Winds will ease tonight, allowing temperatures to plummet to the mid-20s in the colder spots and the low to mid-30s downtown. Rain is likely to develop on Tuesday afternoon and continue through the night, with a chance of it mixing with sleet in some areas. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist through the week, with highs only reaching the 50s on Wednesday and Thursday. However, a warming trend is on the horizon, with temperatures potentially approaching 60 degrees by the weekend, though some showers remain possible.