Hurricane Sandy Leaves Hundreds Without Power Along Mason Neck

Hundreds along Mason Neck remained without power Tuesday afternoon after Hurricane Sandy swept through Northern Virginia.

As storms go, however, the impact was relatively light. Only a single point on the power lines along Gunston Road in Lorton was affected, and Mason Neck State Park is expected to open Wednesday morning. 

Many felt that July's "derecho" was more powerful and caused more damage.  

Brock Benson lives along Gunston Road in Mason Neck. "We lost power at around 10 p.m. on Monday," he said. "When we bought the house seven years ago it came with a generator, because the power always goes out around here. This storm was ok — not as harsh as the last one (the derecho). That last storm — a tree fell on our house. This time there were just a few branches that fell." 

Mason Neck State Park sustained minimal damage, and will be open on Halloween. "This storm wasn't so bad," said Park employee Nathan Juerin. "We're out of power because of that power line on Gunston Road, but there were only a couple of downed trees at the park. That last storm in June was worse." 

Lawrence Reese, owner of The Sub Shop, drove back to Lorton from the Bronx, New York, where he was helping his family ride out the storm. "It's all a lot of hype, a lot of talk. Remember, New York has a lot of tall, strong buildings," said Reese. "The only thing I did to prepare this time was to ask God to give me a break. There's nothing you can do if he decides to tear you apart and destroy you. All men can do is prepare you for what's coming." 

The Food Lion grocery store in Gunston Plaza lost power from midnight to 5 a.m. Tuesday, and lost about $2,000 worth of food. "We've got generators but not enough to power the entire store," said receiver Ann Marie Dixon. "I'm just glad it's over. Done."