Less than a day after the attack began, a sudden, very heavy thunderstorm -- possibly a hurricane -- put out the fires. It also spun off a tornado that passed through the center of the capital, setting down on Constitution Avenue and lifting two cannons before dropping them several yards away, killing British troops and American civilians alike. Following the storm, the British returned to their ships, many of which were badly damaged. The occupation of Washington lasted only about 26 hours. After the "Storm that saved Washington '', as it soon came to be called, the Americans were able to regain control of the city.
what made the british disperse after the burning of washington
very heavy thunderstorm