Multiple tornadoes strike Maryland, downing trees and trapping residents
Multiple tornadoes swept across Maryland on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and trapping residents in their homes. The twister event, which is being described as one of the most significant in years, left a trail of uprooted trees and damaged buildings in its wake.
The chaos began when a supercell developed in Loudoun County, potentially spawning the first tornado near Leesburg around 6:45 p.m. This led to a series of tornadoes that ripped through areas including Darnestown, Poolesville, Gaithersburg, Olney, Columbia, and Baltimore. The National Weather Service will need until Thursday afternoon to fully assess the damage and determine the exact number and severity of the tornadoes that touched down.
Witnesses described the tornadoes as large, cone-shaped funnels, a rare sight in the Mid-Atlantic region. The last tornado of this magnitude to hit Maryland in June was back in 1996. Residents in Gaithersburg were taken by surprise, with one longtime resident expressing shock at the level of destruction caused by the storm.
The Olde Towne neighborhood in Gaithersburg bore the brunt of the damage, with several homes suffering from fallen trees. Despite the chaos, there were no fatalities reported, and most residents were able to escape without injury. Power outages were also a concern as the storm downed power lines, leaving some residents in the dark.
As the cleanup efforts continue, there is a possibility of more storms hitting the D.C. area on Thursday. While the tornado risk remains low, residents are advised to stay alert for potential severe weather conditions. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 risk for severe storms, with the main threats being heavy rain, lightning, and strong wind gusts.
In conclusion, the tornadoes that struck Maryland have left a trail of destruction, but the community is coming together to support one another during this challenging time. Stay tuned for further updates on the aftermath of the storms.
