La Plata, Waldorf, MD – A rare February tornado that skipped across Charles County was confirmed by the National Weather Service Monday morning, Feb. 27, acknowledging what most folks from La Plata to Waldorf already suspected: an F-1 tornado.
A little after 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, severe thunderstorms began developing near La Plata. Swirling clouds were spotted just south of the town moving to the north and east. The small twister touched down not far from Rosewick Crossing Shopping Center where some roof damage occurred.
After uprooting trees in a nearby woodland, the twister then damaged eaves and lifted shingles in White Plains Village as it continued northeastward. Just before reaching Waldorf, forecasters estimate the twister field of damage expanded to nearly 100 yards, then peaked as it neared Smallwood Village East of Waldorf, Smallwood Village Shopping Center and the Huntington Apartments with wind speeds gusting to 90 miles per hour.
Trees were felled, siding peeled off houses and a carport collapsed onto several vehicles.
Charles County Sheriff’s Office deputies reported responding to nearly 125 calls for service during the height of the storm with emergency services responding to almost 40 calls.
February tornadoes are extremely rare. The National Weather Service noted that only three have been reported in the state prior to Saturday’s storm. Two of those took place in Southern Maryland in St. Mary’s and Calvert County in 2014 and 2016.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com