BAY CITY, Md.- A National Weather Service team has confirmed an EF2 tornado touched down in Queen Anne's County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The overnight weather event downed trees, damaged homes, and knocked out power out for thousands.
The weather service made its announcement Monday afternoon. An EF2 tornado has maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.
The early morning tornado caused the bulk of damage in the Stevensville/Bay City area of Kent Island. One person was injured, a man who a hospital says was treated and released.
A tornado warning was issued for the area and Meteorologist Mitchell Gaines says there were reports of roof damage and boats into yards. Heavy rain was reported in the region, including nearly 7 ½ inches in New Castle County, Del.
High winds closed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge for more than an hour, but Maryland Emergency Management spokesman Chas Eby says engineers didn't find damage.
According to Delmarva Power's outage map, thousands of customers were left without power. The utility said crews will continue to work around the clock until service is full restored.
Delmarva Power said the extreme weather caused damage to its Stevensville Substation, including two major electric lines that feed the substation. In addition, five large steel poles and several local electric distribution poles were knocked down due to the extreme winds.
American Red Cross responders are on site at the Kent Island Fire Hall supporting a reception center/family reunification center at the request of emergency management officials. Meals and water are being provided as well as mental health support. Due to power lines and other road closures, the Red Cross said it has been unable to access a majority of the damaged areas.
An emergency shelter is also opened at Centreville Middle School, 231 Ruthsburg Road in Centreville, for those affected by the storm. The Red Cross is supporting the shelter with supplies. Food services will provide breakfast and lunch to any community members who go to the school for shelter. For more information call 410-758-4500, ext. 1113.
The Red Cross also said two of its emergency response vehicles are on location and are providing mobile feeding and water distribution to the effected communities that they can access.
Route 8 is closed to the general public. In nearby Talbot County, MD 228 at Kittys Road is closed for trees and other debris in the roadway.
Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, who went to the scene Monday morning to survey the storm damage, said he and Gov. Larry Hogan "stand ready to offer state assistance."
