Power Outage In Washington, D.C. Plunges White House And Capitol Into Darkness

The scattered power outages were reportedly caused by an explosion at a Maryland power plant.

The White House, the Capitol, and other government buildings were plunged into darkness on Tuesday due to scattered power outages in the D.C. area.

State Department briefing continuing now in the dark.

SMECO said the outages were widespread throughout the area.

There are widespread outages throughout the D.C. metro area. We are currently investigating the situation.

The outage is believed to have been caused by an explosion at a Maryland power plant, a Homeland Security spokesperson told the Associated Press.

Pepco said on Twitter that the outage was due to a "dip in voltage in the Washington D.C. area."

They said it was caused by an issue with a "transmission line" in Maryland.

"There was never a loss of permanent electric supply but dip in voltage caused equipment at some facilities to transfer to backup systems," it said.

Instagram users reported that the Metro stations were being shut down.

However, the Metro tweeted that the trains were running as of 1:30 p.m. ET.

As of 1:30p, trains running on all lines; no power issues for trains. We are standing up our backup control center as precaution. #wmata

Thousands of residents of Maryland reportedly saw outages.

Areas of capital region & S. Maryland currently affected by power outages. Find out more here: http://t.co/4m8HB5GKCH

Even Oprah was affected!

Power just went out on @Oprah - she's now quoting "Phenomenal Woman" without a mic. #ForeverMaya @wusa9

It made a trip to the National Portrait Gallery a little more difficult.

In case you wanted to see what a museum looks like when there's a power outage.

The Smithsonian evacuated guests from its museums.

A major power outage in DC is affecting some of our museums. @NPG, @americanart @airandspace and @SmithsonianNMAI are now evacuated

However, the White House briefing room was apparently spared.

White House briefing room lit as usual, despite DC power outage.

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