On this date in 1862, the Civil War Battle of Chantilly was fought amid a severe thunderstorm in Chantilly, Virginia. It was “the most violent weather recorded on a battlefield during the Civil War” according to the website that commemorates the battle.
And on this date in 1922, a September record 5.16 inches of rain fell, including 2.38 inches in a single hour.
And on this date in 1952, 2.82 inches of rain fell as the remnants of Hurricane Able swept through the D.C. area. Downpours flooded Rock Creek in D.C. and Ellicott City, Maryland. The storm spawned at least two “baby tornadoes” that left a trail of damage, according to the front page of The Washington Post. National Airport clocked a 63 mph wind gust.
And on this date in 2021, a strong tornado hit Annapolis, rated 2 on the 0 to 5 Enhanced Fujita scale for intensity, as the remnants of Hurricane Ida swept through the Mid-Atlantic. The twister carved an 11.25 mile path, damaging or destroying dozens of structures. It was one of three tornadoes that touched down in Maryland that day.
Here are other notables from the day:
- Average high: 85
- Average low: 69
- Record high: 99 (1980)
- Record low: 50 (1890)
- Record rainfall: 5.16 inches (1922)
