Tornado-like destruction in Westgate neighborhood of Bethesda

A fast-moving, nearly-silent storm whisked through Bethesda early this morning around 3:00 AM. It appears to have spawned a small tornado or straight-line wind gust in the Westgate neighborhood off of Massachusetts Avenue.

Trees and limbs were brought down on homes, yards and cars on Newport Avenue at Earlston Drive, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Pete Piringer. I heard the wind, and it sounded highly unusual. I expected there could be a tornado imminent, but never heard the typical roaring sound one would generate. But the wind was one continuous gust that never let up for about 90 seconds. I heard no thunder and saw no lightning.

Photo by Pete Piringer/MCFRS