It's very unusual for the storms not to be "burned-out" over the 'mountains' (you wouldn't even call them foot hills, being from the West).

As I understand it, one expected the 60-70 knot gusts to hit our region until it was too late. I wasn't watching TV or listening to the radio, so I'm not sure. They didn't blow the sirens (if they still are active in DC), etc.