SOUTHERN Md., — Southern Maryland storm damage was widespread Friday evening as a squall line brought high winds, downed trees, and thousands of power outages across the region.
Winds exceeding 60–70 mph snapped trees, downed power lines, and damaged structures across St. Mary’s, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties. On May 16, 2025, local fire and EMS units were inundated with calls for downed trees, wires, and storm-related hazards beginning around 5:30 p.m. and continuing well into the evening.
By nightfall, SMECO and Pepco were responding to thousands of outages across Southern Maryland, including more than 1,500 in St. Mary’s County alone. Utility crews worked through the night to restore service. As of early Saturday morning, some isolated outages remain.
In Mechanicsville, emergency crews responded to a scene where a large tree reportedly fell across a road, into power lines, and onto a home. One vehicle struck the fallen tree. No injuries were reported, though police requested the driver be evaluated.
Statewide, the storm brought structural damage to buildings in Catonsville and Baltimore, where siding and roofing materials were torn loose by wind gusts. In Montgomery County, a downed tree sparked a house fire after pulling down lines and a transformer. On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, trees punched through homes in Easton. No storm-related fatalities were reported in Maryland.
However, two storm-related deaths were confirmed in Fairfax County, Virginia. One occurred when a tree crushed a vehicle in Woodlawn. A second fatality was reported along the George Washington Parkway, also involving a tree fall during peak storm conditions.
Transportation systems saw widespread disruptions. Metro, MTA Light Rail, and regional bus lines experienced delays or shutdowns. Flights were delayed or diverted from DCA, BWI, and Dulles. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge was temporarily closed due to high winds. Wind restrictions were in place at the Governor Harry W. Nice Bridge and other key crossings.
Local emergency managers credit early warnings for preventing additional injuries. As of Saturday morning, skies are clearing and cleanup continues. The National Weather Service forecast for Lexington Park, MD, indicates hot and breezy conditions today, with a high near 90°F (32°C) and a low around 63°F (17°C). A brief shower or thunderstorm is possible this afternoon.
Residents are urged to avoid downed wires and report ongoing hazards as crews continue recovery efforts.