An EF-1 tornado cut through the small Eastern Shore town of Ridgely on Monday, toppling trees and leaving pockets of damage scattered across Caroline County. A National Weather Service storm survey team rated the twister an EF-1, estimating peak winds near 100 mph as part of two rounds of severe weather that swept across the region. By Tuesday, local crews were out clearing debris and checking downed lines while residents dealt with spotty power outages.
Survey teams from the National Weather Service traced the tornado’s touchdown in Ridgely and also confirmed a corridor of straight-line wind damage across parts of Queen Anne’s County, near Sudlersville and Millington, with gusts estimated between 70 and 90 mph, according to CBS Baltimore. The outlet reports that NWS crews were on the ground mapping the path and assessing impacts. Officials have not yet released an overall damage estimate for the affected neighborhoods.
Storm complex prompted statewide preparations
The Weather Prediction Center described the mid-March system as a sprawling storm that delivered blizzard conditions in the Upper Midwest while firing off severe thunderstorms and tornadoes across the Mid-Atlantic. Ahead of the weather, Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued a state of preparedness, and local emergency agencies staged crews and equipment in advance, according to a summary from the Weather Prediction Center. The system’s broad reach helps explain how one setup managed to bury inland communities in snow while spinning up tornadoes closer to the coast.
Flights, outages and a recent run of tornadoes
The same severe weather system tangled air travel across the region, triggering thousands of cancellations systemwide and disrupting Baltimore-area flights. More than 235 delays and 165 cancellations were recorded at BWI during the event, according to CBS Baltimore. The station also reported that the NWS recently confirmed another EF-1 tornado in Cooksville in Howard County on March 11, with top winds near 90 mph and a short but damaging track. Emergency officials are urging residents to report downed power lines and other hazards while crews continue restoration work.
How to stay safe after the storm
National Weather Service officials are reminding residents to keep their distance from downed power lines, avoid driving through flooded roads and take shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building during tornado warnings. For a full rundown of preparedness tips and official safety guidance, visit the National Weather Service tornado safety page.
