BETHESDA STORM DAMAGE PHOTOS + POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Limb down in downtown Bethesda

Power outages and many fallen tree limbs are the primary evidence of the violent storm that hit Bethesda late this afternoon. One woman was struck by lightning at Old Georgetown Road and Democracy Boulevard. Her injuries were considered non-life-threatening, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer.

Thousands are without power in Bethesda; the hardest hit areas are along the River Road/Massachusetts Avenue corridors, and North Bethesda. Multiple traffic signals along River Road were dark this evening. Pepco's outage site is not giving estimated times for power restoration for any of these outages.

Here are some photos of the aftermath; there may be more photos (not to mention more storms) to come tonight, and tomorrow.

Tree limb meets car

Dark traffic signals at River Road
and Ridgefield Road

Tree limb blocks northbound lanes
of Arlington Road just south
of Bradley Boulevard

Storm-tossed fencing and construction
equipment at the 7770 Norfolk
luxury apartment tower construction
site

Bethesda Urban Partnership
cart got knocked aside in
Veterans Park

WIND DAMAGES ENTRANCE AT THE HAMPDEN IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

A wild and woolly Thursday left trash, plastic bags, tree limbs and damage all over Montgomery County. One of the most obvious victims of yesterday's howling winds, was the entrance awning at the currently-vacant The Hampden apartment complex on Hampden Lane.

While the awning took a beating, the only good news is that there won't be any property damage cost for the owner; the building is awaiting demolition to make way for the future luxury condos "from the several millions" at The Lauren.

BETHESDA STORM SHOTS: PHOTOS FROM THE STORM OF THE CENTURY

Here are photos from around Bethesda, in the aftermath of the Storm of the Century:

80 MPH wind shear hit Foong Lin restaurant
"Uh oh, better get MAACO!"

Stop means stop - except in Bethesda!

Bethesda natives know to head to Talbert's on River Road
for ice when power goes out - the line was out the door!

River Road was closed between Springfield Drive and
Ridgefield Road due to storm damage.

This is River Road, looking [south]east towards Washington, D.C.
T2 Metrobuses joined all traffic on Ridgefield Rd. detour.

Another victim of 80 MPH wind shear was this tree
just north of downtown Bethesda [Photo: David Heyman]

Police tape prevents drivers from turning at
dark intersection of Wisconsin and Norfolk Avenues.

Ice Truckers of Bethesda!  Business was booming for
this truck selling ice at 7-11 on Fairmont Avenue.

Soccer fans arriving at Union Jack's for Euro Cup 2012 finals
were greeted by these signs announcing the bar
was closed due to power outage.

By the evening of July 2, most power in downtown Bethesda had
been restored.  This was the view looking north on Norfolk Ave.

Bold Bite, BlackFinn and Veterans Park
were ready for the summer crowds.

A Florida Light and Power crew that just finished a job in Bethesda
rushes to batten down the hatches as a thunderstorm hits on July 3.

A Bethesda resident's helpful note directing Pepco to a
dangerous situation off River Road.