Burke residents who lost only electrical power for about seven hours on June 22 are considering themselves lucky. Many of their neighbors experienced significant property damage as a result of a strong but small area microburst storm. Many have damaged cars, roofs or other house structural damage. Nine houses have received red placards, signifying the damage is so severe that the homes have been deemed uninhabitable and no entry is permitted because the structures are unsafe. Beyond the resulting haphazard damage, the moments of the weather event were loud and frightening for all.

The National Weather Service indicates “a severe thunderstorm produced a strong downburst one mile northwest of Burke VA with peak winds estimated 90 MPH. While other minor scattered tree damage was noted outside of the microburst in the general area, the microburst affected the communities around Lake Royal. Significant concentrated damage began along Zion Road between the cross streets of Guinea Drive and Hillard Lake Road. Tree damage continued along Bridgewood Drive and Falmead Road before reaching Lake Royal. Through this area, many, though not all, of the trees were snapped midway, uprooted, or had large branches snapped off. Trees fell onto cars, power-lines, roads, and homes with substantial damage. Damage was unidirectionally pushed to the east northeast in the direction of storm movement. As the microburst crossed Lake Royal, the lack of trees and roughness allowed the winds to accelerate and then blast the townhomes on the east shore. Several townhomes on that row facing the lake had significant portions of their roofs lifted off. Winds were estimated to have peaked at 90 MPH.”  

Damage also was suffered on the south side of the lake, where a business roof was lifted temporarily; and on the east side with similar tree damage along Lakepoint Drive west of Guinea Road. Trees and branches were again snapped onto cars and homes, and townhome fences were pushed down on many properties.”

NWS reports that “Doppler Radars displayed thunderstorm downburst signatures at the Burke location at the time, with no evidence of rotation indicating the storm being tornadic. Severe straight line thunderstorm downburst wind gusts can sometimes produce damage equivalent to damage from EF0 and EF1 tornadoes.”

In the days following the event, VDOT and tree companies have removed trees blocking roads and downed power lines. Dominion Power reported 889 addresses without power on the day of the storm. By the following Sunday power had been restored to all but 66 residents.  

The Red Cross and World Central Kitchen provided meals and other support. While roads are now passable, broken trees still litter the area, with large chunks lying as blown, suggesting it was a small miracle that no deaths or injuries were reported. Travel through the area shows many blue roof tarps, and crumpled vehicles still waiting to be relieved of the trees that struck them.

There also are visible signs of the community pulling together amid the destruction. A relief fund has been established to help those who are displaced and need assistance. While most are insured, some damaged properties are rentals. Although nine homes have been deemed uninhabitable, the owners of “yellow” houses may be asking renters to leave while repairs are accomplished, likely leaving more than the nine families displaced. 

Kimberly Pollard, who had an established charity which serves hospitalized children, Nancy’s Toy Drop, has made provisions to accept donations on that platform to provide Burke storm recovery relief.  Donations can be made at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/burke-storm-recovery-fund. Pollard can be reached at khayespollard@gmail.com for questions about the fund and to apply for fund relief.