Methane Gas Forces Evacuations in Stafford Co.

Stafford County, VA -

Several families in the Woodstream community of Stafford County have been evacuated from their homes today after high concentrations of methane were detected. Sources say that concentrations as high as 60 percent have been found. Experts say that concentrations as low as 5 percent can be explosive.

The methane has been detected in the soil and there are currently no reports that the gas has high concentrations in the air as well. The fire department is continuing to monitor while the families have been temporarily relocated to a hotel.

Officials also say that power has been shutoff to some houses as a general precaution. Stay tuned for further updates.

The Capital Region Pulse - Viewership

Just a quick posting to show where our readers reside.

United States readers of The Capital Region Pulse. (for the two past weeks ending today)

DC area readers of our website for the two week period ending today. 

Montgomery Co. Police Investigate Homicide

Silver Spring, MD -

Montgomery County Police are investigating an apparent homicide that occurred last night in Silver Spring, MD. The body of the deceased female was discovered early this morning by police who were responding to a 911 call from a pay phone. The 911 call featured an anonymous male caller who told the operator that he had killed his wife several hours earlier.

It was later discovered that the callers name was Bernardo Paz-Flores-Olvera, who is 32 years old.

As always, we want our readers to see the unabridged information. Unlike most media sources, we post the raw press releases on our website. You may view the press release below. Stay tuned for any updates to this story.

Greencastle Elementary School Teacher Arrested

Silver Spring, MD -

Montgomery County Police have arrested Susan Lee Burke of the 9300 block of Decatur St. in Laurel, MD for allegedly abusing children in her first grade class. Court documents reveal that a warrant was issued on February 3rd for nine counts of assault in the second degree. The documents also reveal that the alleged assaults took place during the period from December 1st to December 31st of last year.

As always, we want our readers to be able to review the unabridged information. Unlike most other news sources, we post the raw press release from Montgomery County Police. The court information is in the public record on the Maryland Judiciary System website.

Susan Lee Burke

Extremely Dangerous Road Conditions - LIVE Blogging (continued)

***Winter Storm Warning Remains in Effect***

Extremely Dangerous Road Conditions Exist

6:40pm EST - (PHOTO Post)

Snow sticks to bushes in Maryland (Photo By: Kenneth Lorber)

A snow blurred photo taken in Colesville, MD (Photo By: Kenneth Lorber)

Snow accumulation on a garden light. (Photo By: Kenneth Lorber)

Heavy snowfall continues to impact the DC area. (Photo By: Kenneth Lorber)

A snowy scene in Montgomery Co. Maryland (Photo By: Kenneth Lorber)

6:15pm EST - 

Again, if you have photos of the snowfall please SUBMIT THEM to us at CapRegPulse@gmail.com

We will post photos to our website from the DC area!

Reports of many Montgomery County emergency vehicles getting stuck are coming into our news center. Please drive cautiously. It is likely if you require an emergency service that the wait time will be significant. Please be cautious. 

5:45pm EST - 

Extremely hazardous road conditions exist on area roads at this time. Multiple fire units are responding to numerous accidents across the capital region. Local officials advise everyone who does not need to be on the roads to stay off the roads!

LIVE blogging will continue right here on The Capital Region Pulse!

Please use extreme caution when driving around tonight. 

Winter Storm Warning - LIVE Blogging/Coverage

***Winter Storm Warning for Metro Area***

Major Snowfall Accumulations Expected

4:50pm EST - (PHOTO Post)

Snow rapidly accumulates in Colesville, MD (Photo By: Kenneth Lorber)

Snow sticks to trees, roads and all surfaces in Maryland. (Photo By: Kenneth Lorber)

4:40pm EST - (Update 5)

Heavy snow is occurring over most of the area (exception is east of I-95). Roads are quickly becoming snow covered and dangerous. Many accidents have been reported. 

Valley Brook Drive at New Hampshire Ave. - Roads are hazardous and slippery. (MCDOT)

4:05pm EST - (Update 4)

Sleet has begun to changeover to all snow here in Silver Spring, MD. There have been reports of very heavy snow just to the southwest of the area. All of this activity is now expected to continue into the evening. Heavy accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected.

If you have any weather photos of the storm from the DC area - send them to CapRegPulse@gmail.com

Follow us on Twitter @CapitalRegPulse and visit our Facebook page to never miss an update!

We will  begin posting photos from Silver Spring in the next few updates. 

3:15pm EST - (Update 3)

Thunder and lightning have been reported in parts of Fairfax County, VA! Sleet and rain will quickly change to snow and become heavy at times as bands of heavy precipitation develop and move through the area. Expect snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour at times into the evening hours. Latest data indicates peak snowfall period may only be 6 hours long but heavy accumulations expected during that time.

The evening commute is expected to be extremely dangerous across the area. Please drive carefully and watch all vehicles around you. Obey traffic laws and stay alert. 

Storm total accumulations in the heaviest bands should be from 5-10 inches with a general 4-8 inch total elsewhere. We are currently expecting numerous school delays/closures tomorrow so stay with The Capital Region Pulse for the latest information!

2:35pm EST - (Update 2)

Weather conditions will rapidly deteriorate across the Washington area within the next one to two hours. Heavy snowfall with rates possibly reaching two inches per hours will become probable. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect into tonight for the potential of major snowfall accumulations. It is possible that the snow may start as sleet or rain for a short period before changing to all snow.

Residents should be prepared for possible hazardous road conditions this afternoon and evening. Keep in mind that the federal government has allowed a two hour early closing.

Heavy bands of precipitation can be seen moving up from the south.

1:45pm EST - (ORIGINAL POST)

With a Winter Storm Warning in place across the metro area, the region is preparing for a significant winter storm. Reports of heavy snowfall are already coming out of parts of Virginia, and these dynamics are expected to move into the Washington area as the afternoon progresses.

The Capital Region Pulse weather team is currently forecasting between five and nine inches of snow for the area...some higher totals will be possible in the heaviest bands.

Thundersnow will be possible with incredible snowfall rates during the heart of the storm. Don't be surprised if roads QUICKLY become impassable and extremely hazardous. 

We will continue to have the latest information as it becomes available!