ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — After a tornado was confirmed to have touched down near Clarksville on May 23, Howard County officials addressed the confirmation of a second tornado to affect the county this week, as the National Weather Service verified a tornado touchdown near Glenelg Thursday afternoon.
The county said Thursday’s twister left more than 3,000 homes without power and 30 roads closed. The county’s department of Public Works, Bureau of Highways reported significant damage to their Dayton facility, however no one was injured. A tornado warning was issued from 3:22 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. on May 30.
“Today, our cleanup work continues. We are just finishing our efforts regarding last week’s tornado and we expect to complete our new cleanup efforts over the next week,” said Bureau of Highways Chief Kris Jagarapu. “We have about 60 crew members working hard to clear all roads of debris. We advise all residents with debris on private property to take it to the landfill or bundle it for yard waste collection.”
The county also encourages residents to make a plan should for future severe weather or similar emergencies. Residents should become familiar to the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, a loud roar like a freight train, and/or an approaching cloud of debris. Residents should also sign up for Emergency Alerts and pay attention to weather reports or buy an NOAA weather radio, particularly when meteorologists speak of conditions favorable to tornadoes. If such a storm does occur, residents should develop a safety plan that includes staying away from windows, going to the smallest, inner-most, windowless, room on the lowest level of your home.
“We are encouraging residents to take steps to form an emergency plan,” said Fire & Rescue Services Deputy Chief William Anuszewski. “If you are in a tornado warning, go to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Don't forget pets if time allows. You can visit Ready.gov/Tornadoes [ready.gov] to find a preparation checklist, safety tips, and helpful links.”
