PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTY JULIE SHYMANSKY
UPDATE 9:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21
La Plata, MD – At 9:15 p.m., Charles County authorities reported that with the exception of Estevez Road which is open to local traffic only, Penns Hill Road and Bowling Drive are open to normal traffic.
UPDATE 7:40 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21
Hollywood, MD – On the day Southern Marylanders and other Americans have spent in obsession of the sun and moon, it was the wind and clouds that got the last word. Shortly before 5 p.m. a severe thunderstorm warning was posted for the region followed quickly by a tornado warning. Charles County authorities indicate there may have been a tornado that came through north of Allens Fresh. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reported numerous downed trees and utility wires in the southwestern portion of the county. There are reports of storm damage in areas of northwestern St. Mary’s County as well. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reports an off-duty officer may have been slightly struck by lightning when a tree in his backyard was struck. The officer is okay, a sheriff’s office spokeswoman told TheBayNet.com.
A flash flood warning remains in effect for the region until 8:30 p.m. Motorists bound for the back roads of southern Charles County might want to delay their trip until further notice as many roads are still closed due to downed trees, wires and high water. According the the Charles County Department of Public Safety, roads currently closed are Bowling Drive, Kentucky Drive, Penns Hill Road between Knollcrest and Stonestreet Road, Wheatly Road and Newport Church Road. Charles County aurhorities reported Estevez Road is washing away due to the flooding.
According to the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative’s map, there are numerous power outages scattered throughout Charles County.
UPDATE Aug. 21 7:14 p.m.
La Plata, MD – The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reported shortly before 7 p.m. that multiple trees are blocking the roadways in the Dentsville area. Downed wires and stranding water are factors in some of the road closures. Motorists driving the back roads of northwestern St. Mary’s County and Southern Charles County should use extreme caution or avoid the area altogether until further notice. The sheriff’s office reports an off-duty officer may have been slightly struck by lightning when a tree in his backyard. The officer is okay, a sheriff’s office spokeswoman told TheBayNet.com.
Leonardtown, MD – Flash flood warning from 5:24 p.m. until 8:30pm for Northwestern St. Marys County, Southeastern Charles County until 8:30 p.m. At 5:23 p.m. Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the area. Up to three inches of rain have already fallen. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly. * some locations that may experience flooding include… Leonardtown, Wicomico, Mechanicsville, Charlotte Hall, Bushwood, Clements, Compton, Morganza, Dentsville, Chaptico, Mount Victoria, Maddox, Loveville, Helen And Oakley. Precautionary/preparedness actions… a flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. if you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately. residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.
UPDATE Monday, Aug. 21 5:37 p.m.
La Plata, MD – There are unconfirmed reports of tornadic activity passing through Bowling Drive north of Allens Fresh. The roadway is currently closed There are also reports of a tree into a house on Penns Hill Road and downed wires on Newport Church Road.
La Plata, MD – There are reports of multiple trees down in Charles County and also a report of a car in a ditch.
Washington, DC – A tornado Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service For St. Mary’s County until 5:30 p.m.
The National Weather Service in Sterling VA has issued a * tornado warning for… West Central St. Marys County, Southeastern Charles County* until 530 p.m. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 9 miles east of Popes Creek, moving southeast at 10 mph. hazard…tornado and quarter size hail. source…radar indicated rotation. impact…for those in the direct path of a tornado touchdown, flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. damage to roofs, siding, and windows may occur. mobile homes may be damaged or destroyed. tree damage is likely. * this tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of West Central St. Mary’s and Southeastern Charles counties, including the following locations: Bushwood, Clements, Compton, Morganza, Chaptico, Mount Victoria, Tintop Hill, Wicomico, Maddox and Loveville. Precautionary/preparedness actions… take cover now! move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
