Category: Weather

Weather authorities have announced a freeze watch affecting the region, beginning Sunday afternoon and continuing until Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the cold weather advisory on April 7th at 2:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The watch will remain in effect until April 9th at 9:00 AM EDT.

Residents should take precautions to protect sensitive plants, outdoor plumbing, and other items that could be damaged by freezing temperatures during this period.

Weather officials have issued a freeze watch for the area, warning residents to prepare for dangerously cold conditions beginning Sunday afternoon.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the alert at 2:18 PM on April 7th, with the watch remaining in effect until 9:00 AM on April 9th.

During this period, temperatures are expected to drop to levels that could cause damage to sensitive plants and create hazardous conditions for exposed water pipes and outdoor equipment.

Residents are advised to take precautionary measures to protect their property and prepare for the unseasonably cold weather during what is typically a milder time of year.

Weather forecasters have issued a freeze warning beginning Sunday at 11:01 AM EDT and continuing until Monday morning at 9:00 AM EDT, according to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

The warning alerts residents to prepare for potentially damaging cold temperatures that could harm sensitive vegetation and outdoor plants. Officials recommend taking precautions to protect tender plants and ensure proper winterization of outdoor plumbing and equipment.

The freeze warning covers the period when temperatures are expected to drop to levels that could cause frost formation and potential agricultural impacts. Residents should monitor local weather conditions and take appropriate measures to safeguard temperature-sensitive items.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has announced a freeze watch that went into effect Sunday at 11:01 AM and will remain active until Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM.

The alert warns residents to prepare for freezing conditions that could pose risks to temperature-sensitive vegetation and exposed water pipes. This unseasonably cold weather pattern is expected to bring temperatures low enough to cause frost formation across the coverage area.

Homeowners are advised to take precautionary measures such as covering delicate plants, bringing potted flowers indoors, and ensuring outdoor faucets and irrigation systems are protected from potential freeze damage.

The weather service will continue monitoring conditions and may update the alert as the situation develops over the next 48 hours.

A sharp drop in temperatures will bring widespread freeze conditions to Delmarva early Wednesday morning, with additional frost concerns lingering into Thursday morning.

A strong Canadian high pressure system, centered around 1040 mb, will build into the Northeast behind a cold front that moved through Tuesday. This setup is allowing a reinforcing surge of cold, dry air to settle over the Delmarva Peninsula through midweek.

Temperatures by Wednesday morning are expected to fall into the mid 20s to low 30s across much of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. As a result, Freeze Warnings are now in effect, especially as the growing season has recently begun across the region. These temperatures are cold enough to damage or kill sensitive vegetation if proper precautions are not taken.

Despite the cold start Wednesday, the air mass will initially remain very dry, limiting frost development early in the morning. However, conditions will change heading into Wednesday night.

As high pressure shifts offshore, winds will become lighter and turn easterly, allowing moisture to recover slightly. This will set the stage for efficient radiational cooling Wednesday night into early Thursday morning. Temperatures will once again drop into the mid 20s to low 30s inland, with slightly milder readings closer to the immediate coastline.

Unlike the previous night, these conditions will be more favorable for widespread frost formation, particularly across inland areas of Delmarva where winds go calm and skies remain clear. Even near the coast, patchy frost cannot be ruled out if winds diminish enough overnight.

Conditions will begin to moderate by Thursday afternoon and into Friday, with temperatures gradually trending closer to seasonal norms. However, another chilly start is expected Thursday morning, and some patchy frost may still develop in typically cooler inland locations early Friday, though a hard freeze is not anticipated beyond Thursday morning.

There is an elevated risk for fire spread today for the Eastern
Shore of Maryland and Delaware. Minimum relative humidity values
will drop to around 25 percent this afternoon. This will be
accompanied by northwesterly winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts 25 to
35 mph. These conditions, along with the continued drying of fine
fuels, could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite,
which could quickly become difficult to control. Conditions
improve this evening as the wind diminishes and the relative
humidity increases.

Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Be sure to properly
extinguish or dispose of any potential ignition sources, including
smoking materials such as cigarette butts.

This forecast considers meteorological, fuel, and land conditions
and has been developed in coordination with state fire officials.

Weather officials have issued a freeze warning that took effect at 2:19 AM on Sunday, April 7th and will remain in place until 9:00 AM on Monday, April 8th.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the alert, warning residents that freezing temperatures are expected during the overnight hours.

The warning indicates that sub-freezing temperatures could pose risks to sensitive plants, crops, and outdoor vegetation that may have already begun spring growth.

Residents are advised to take protective measures for any tender plants or agricultural crops that could be damaged by the freezing conditions expected during this period.

Weather officials have announced a freeze watch that began early Sunday morning and will remain in effect until 9:00 AM on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

The alert, which was issued at 2:19 AM on Sunday, warns residents to prepare for freezing conditions that could damage tender vegetation and exposed water pipes.

During a freeze watch, temperatures are expected to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, creating potentially harmful conditions for plants that have begun their spring growth cycle.

Residents are advised to take precautions to protect sensitive plants by covering them or bringing potted plants indoors. Property owners should also ensure that any exposed plumbing is properly insulated to prevent freezing and potential pipe damage.

The cold snap comes as many areas have experienced warmer spring-like weather in recent weeks, making the sudden temperature drop particularly concerning for early-blooming plants and newly planted gardens.

Delaware residents should prepare for a significant drop in temperatures as the National Weather Service Mount Holly office has issued a freeze watch beginning Saturday evening at 9:36 PM and extending until Monday morning at 9:00 AM.

The weather alert warns that freezing temperatures could develop across the region during this timeframe, potentially causing damage to sensitive outdoor plants and vegetation.

Residents are advised to take precautionary measures to protect tender plants, outdoor plumbing, and other temperature-sensitive items during the expected cold snap.

The freeze watch indicates conditions will be favorable for widespread frost and freezing temperatures, which could impact agricultural operations and home gardens throughout the First State.

Weather officials have issued a freeze watch for the Delaware area that began Saturday afternoon and will continue through Monday morning.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey announced the advisory at 12:15 PM on Saturday, April 6th. The watch will remain active until 9:00 AM on Monday, April 8th.

Residents should take precautions to protect sensitive plants and outdoor plumbing during this period of potentially freezing temperatures.

…FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH WEDNESDAY
MORNING…

* WHAT…Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 24 possible.

* WHERE…Portions of central, northern, and southern Delaware,
northeast Maryland, central and southern New Jersey, and east
central and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…From late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.

* IMPACTS…Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

A brief but notable return to cold weather is expected across the Delmarva region midweek, with freezing temperatures likely Wednesday morning and additional frost concerns into Thursday.

A strong Canadian high pressure system will build into the Northeast following a cold front on Tuesday, allowing a surge of cold, dry air to settle over the region Tuesday night through Wednesday night. This setup will promote ideal radiational cooling conditions, with clear skies and light winds allowing temperatures to drop significantly by early Wednesday morning.

Most areas across Delmarva are expected to fall into the low to mid 30s closer to the coast, with upper 20s to low 30s further inland. There is a 50 to 60 percent chance that temperatures reach or drop below freezing, marking the coldest point of this stretch.

This timing is particularly important as the growing season is now active across much of Delmarva, with the exception of New Castle County, Delaware. That means sensitive vegetation and early agricultural interests could be vulnerable to damage from freezing temperatures. Despite the cold, the air mass will be quite dry, which should limit widespread frost formation Wednesday morning. However, a hard freeze alone can still have impacts regardless of frost presence.

We are monitoring the situation closely, and Freeze Warnings may be issued as confidence continues to increase in sub-freezing temperatures.

By Thursday morning, temperatures will remain chilly but trend slightly warmer as the center of high pressure shifts offshore. Lows are expected to hover closer to the freezing mark for many locations. With a modest increase in low-level moisture compared to Wednesday, patchy frost may develop, especially in more sheltered inland areas. This could lead to the need for Frost Advisories.

The cold snap will be short-lived. A warming trend begins Friday, with temperatures climbing well above freezing and continuing into the weekend, bringing more seasonable spring conditions back to the region.

Residents across Delmarva are encouraged to take precautions to protect sensitive plants ahead of Wednesday morning, as this will likely be the most impactful period for freezing temperatures.

An elevated risk for fire spread is expected across the Delmarva Peninsula today, with conditions becoming more concerning on Tuesday as a much drier air mass moves into the region.

This afternoon, relative humidity values are forecast to fall into the 30 to 40 percent range. At the same time, westerly winds will increase to around 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph. While these conditions support an elevated fire risk, they are not expected to reach critical thresholds today.

However, the situation changes heading into Tuesday.

A secondary cold front will move through the region early Tuesday, ushering in a significantly drier air mass. Dew points are expected to drop into the teens, which will allow relative humidity levels to fall even further, into the 20 to 30 percent range by the afternoon.

In addition, northwest winds will strengthen to around 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 to 35 mph. This combination of low humidity and gusty winds will create conditions that are close to meeting Red Flag Warning criteria, which signals a high potential for rapid fire spread.

While the meteorological setup strongly supports critical fire weather conditions on Tuesday, recent rainfall may help limit the overall threat. Many areas across Delmarva picked up between a quarter and a half inch of rain on Sunday, with locally higher amounts near one inch across southern Delaware and parts of New Jersey.

That recent moisture could keep fine fuels, such as grasses and small vegetation, from drying out as quickly. Still, ongoing drought conditions across much of the region mean that fire risk remains elevated overall.

Officials are continuing to coordinate with fire weather partners to determine whether additional alerts, such as a Special Weather Statement or a Red Flag Warning, will be issued for Tuesday.

Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and use caution with any potential ignition sources, as fires could spread quickly under these conditions.

Delaware transportation authorities have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, lowering the maximum allowable speed to 55 miles per hour as rainfall creates potentially dangerous driving conditions.

The speed restriction has been put in place as a safety precaution while wet weather affects road conditions along the interstate corridor. Officials are urging motorists to exercise additional caution and reduce their travel speeds to account for decreased visibility and slippery pavement.

Drivers using I-495 should expect the lower speed limit to remain in effect until weather conditions improve and normal driving conditions are restored. Transportation officials will continue monitoring the situation and will lift the restriction when it is safe to do so.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, lowering the limit to 55 miles per hour as weather conditions create potentially dangerous driving situations.

The speed restriction has been put in place as a safety precaution for motorists using the heavily traveled highway. DelDOT regularly adjusts speed limits during periods of inclement weather to help prevent accidents and protect drivers.

Drivers are advised to exercise additional caution while traveling I-495 and to allow extra time for their commutes. The speed limit will remain at the reduced level until weather conditions improve and normal driving safety is restored.

Motorists can check current traffic conditions and speed restrictions by visiting DelDOT’s website or following their social media channels for real-time updates.

Delaware drivers are being urged to exercise extreme caution as dense fog has enveloped communities across the First State, creating hazardous driving conditions with severely reduced visibility.

The Delaware Department of Transportation reports that fog of varying thickness has been spotted throughout all three counties, prompting safety concerns for morning and evening commuters.

Transportation officials recommend that motorists reduce their speed, increase following distance, and use low-beam headlights when navigating through the foggy conditions. Drivers should avoid using high beams, which can reflect off the fog and further reduce visibility.

The weather phenomenon has created particularly dangerous situations on major roadways where visibility can drop to just a few hundred feet or less in the heaviest fog banks.

Weather officials have issued a dense fog advisory for the region this morning, warning residents of significantly reduced visibility conditions.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the advisory at 8:11 AM on April 3rd, with the warning set to remain active until 11:00 AM the same day.

Dense fog can create hazardous driving conditions by dramatically limiting visibility on roadways. Motorists are advised to use extra caution during morning commutes and allow additional travel time.

The weather service typically issues these advisories when fog reduces visibility to one-quarter mile or less over a widespread area.

A changing weather pattern is expected across the Delmarva Peninsula this weekend, featuring a brief surge of warmth followed by rounds of showers and thunderstorms as a cold front sweeps through the region.

A developing low pressure system tracking through the Great Lakes will push a warm front northward across Delmarva on Saturday. This will place the region firmly in the warm sector, allowing temperatures to climb well above normal. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the upper 70s to low 80s under a mix of clouds and sunshine, providing a springlike feel across Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia.

Conditions will begin to shift late Saturday into Sunday as the trailing cold front approaches. This front is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers, and potentially a few thunderstorms, through the day on Sunday. While current global model guidance does not indicate a strong signal for widespread severe weather, this remains something to monitor. It is common for finer-scale details, including any severe potential, to become clearer as higher-resolution models come into range over the next couple of days.

One notable aspect of this system is the increase in atmospheric moisture. Precipitable water values are forecast to climb into the 1.3 to 1.5 inch range by Sunday, which is near the climatological maximum for early spring. This suggests the potential for locally heavier downpours, although widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time. Current projections indicate around a half inch of rainfall across much of the region, though localized higher amounts are possible depending on how showers and storms evolve.

Temperatures on Sunday will trend cooler compared to Saturday, with highs generally in the mid 60s to low 70s as clouds and precipitation become more widespread.

Behind the cold front, a noticeable pattern change will take place heading into early next week. Cooler, more seasonable air will settle into the region, bringing afternoon highs back into the 50s for much of Delmarva. This marks a return to near or slightly below average temperatures after the brief warmup over the weekend.

A noticeable shift in the weather pattern is underway across the Delmarva region today as a stalled frontal boundary lingers just to the south. This setup is bringing cooler temperatures and a more overcast sky compared to the recent stretch of warmth.

High temperatures today are expected to remain subdued, generally ranging from the mid 40s to mid 50s across Delaware and the Maryland Eastern Shore. Persistent cloud cover will dominate much of the day, and while widespread rainfall is not expected, a few isolated showers or areas of drizzle may develop at times.

As we head into tonight, the stalled boundary will begin lifting northward as a warm front. This transition will mark the beginning of a gradual warming trend. Temperatures may dip slightly this evening before stabilizing or even slowly rising overnight, especially across southern Delmarva. Overnight lows are now expected to range mainly in the low to mid 40s.

With increasing low-level moisture and lighter winds overnight, patchy fog may develop in some locations, potentially reducing visibility into early Friday morning. A few spotty showers could also accompany the northward-moving warm front.

By Friday morning, the warm front is expected to lift fully through the region, allowing for a significant rebound in temperatures. Afternoon highs will climb into the 70s, bringing a return to milder, more spring-like conditions across Delmarva.

Overall, today’s cooler and gray conditions will be short-lived, with a quick turnaround to warmer weather heading into the end of the week.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, bringing the limit down to 55 miles per hour as a response to current weather conditions affecting the roadway.

The speed restriction has been put in place as a safety measure to help motorists travel more safely during the challenging weather situation. DelDOT regularly adjusts speed limits on major highways when conditions warrant additional caution from drivers.

Drivers using I-495 are advised to observe the posted reduced speed limit and exercise extra care while traveling. The department monitors weather conditions continuously and will restore normal speed limits when conditions improve.

Weather officials from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office in New Jersey activated a severe thunderstorm warning late Monday evening, alerting residents to dangerous weather conditions.

The warning took effect at 11:27 PM on April 1st and remained active until 12:00 AM on April 2nd, covering a 33-minute period of heightened storm activity.

The alert was distributed through the National Weather Service’s official emergency notification system, which uses the identifier code urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.4e721c32d1a3854143acdb3b355d27fdc8440f75.001.1.cap for tracking purposes.

Residents in the affected areas were advised to monitor weather conditions and take appropriate safety precautions during the warning period.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued a severe thunderstorm warning late Monday evening that remained in effect until the early morning hours.

Weather officials activated the warning at 11:46 PM on April 1st, with the alert scheduled to expire at midnight on April 2nd.

The brief but intense warning period covered just over 10 minutes as meteorologists monitored dangerous storm conditions moving through the area.

Residents were advised to take appropriate safety precautions during the warning period as severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning.

Weather officials issued a severe thunderstorm warning late Monday evening that remained active until the early morning hours of Tuesday.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the alert at 11:24 PM on April 1st, with the warning set to expire at midnight on April 2nd.

The warning covered areas under the jurisdiction of the Mount Holly forecast office, alerting residents to potentially dangerous weather conditions including heavy rain, strong winds, and possible hail.

Residents were advised to monitor local weather conditions and take appropriate safety precautions during the severe weather event.

Weather officials issued a severe thunderstorm warning Monday evening, alerting residents to potentially dangerous conditions.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, released the warning at 7:36 PM on April 1st, with the alert scheduled to remain active until 8:00 PM the same evening.

The 24-minute warning provided residents with advance notice of severe weather conditions moving through the area under the Mount Holly office’s forecast responsibility.

Residents were advised to monitor weather conditions and take appropriate safety precautions during the warning period.

A developing severe weather setup will bring the potential for damaging storms across portions of the Mid-Atlantic later today, as an organized cluster of thunderstorms pushes east from the Midwest.

This morning, a complex of storms moving out of Missouri is expected to gradually track eastward, entering a more favorable environment for strengthening as it approaches the Ohio Valley and eventually the Mid-Atlantic. Ahead of this system, warmer and more unstable air will continue to build across the region through the afternoon, helping to fuel additional storm development.

This setup is being driven by increasing instability south of a frontal boundary combined with moderate westerly flow aloft. While wind shear is not particularly strong, it is sufficient to support organized storm structures, especially in the form of bowing line segments. These types of storm features are efficient at producing strong to damaging wind gusts, which will be the primary severe weather hazard.

The highest concentration of storms, along with the greatest risk for severe weather, is expected to extend from the middle Ohio Valley eastward into the Mid-Atlantic by the late afternoon and evening hours. For areas across Delmarva and surrounding regions, storms may arrive during the late day or early evening timeframe.

While widespread severe weather is not expected, any stronger storms that develop could produce localized damaging winds, brief heavy downpours, and possibly small hail. The progressive nature of the system should limit the duration of impacts at any one location, but conditions could change quickly as storms move through.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather-aware throughout the day, especially during the afternoon and evening when storm intensity is expected to peak. Having multiple ways to receive warnings will be important as this system evolves.

A stalled boundary draped across parts of the Mid-Atlantic will act as a focus for developing showers and thunderstorms Wednesday, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours.

As temperatures warm through the day, rising heat and moisture in the atmosphere will help fuel storm development. This process, known as daytime heating, will allow scattered storms to form along the boundary, though coverage is expected to remain somewhat limited, meaning not everyone will see rain.

While the overall setup is not highly favorable for widespread severe weather, a few storms could become stronger and more organized. These storms may be capable of producing large hail and gusty to damaging winds, particularly during the peak heating of the afternoon.

There is also the potential for some storms to group together into small clusters, which can increase the risk of stronger wind gusts as they move through. However, the threat remains isolated, and many areas will avoid severe conditions altogether.

Residents across the Mid-Atlantic should stay weather-aware Wednesday, especially if you have outdoor plans. Keep an eye on the sky and be prepared to move indoors quickly if a storm approaches.

Unseasonably warm air has surged into the Delmarva region, bringing temperatures close to record levels today and continuing into Wednesday. A strengthening southwest flow, fueled by high pressure positioned offshore, is allowing much warmer air to overspread the region, pushing afternoon highs to near or even above 80 degrees in many inland areas. Coastal locations remain slightly cooler, but still well above seasonal averages for late March.

This level of warmth puts several locations within striking distance of daily record highs. After a few early clouds and spotty showers this morning, partial sunshine will help temperatures climb quickly through the afternoon. While a few isolated showers or thunderstorms may attempt to move in from the west later today, most activity is expected to weaken before reaching much of Delmarva, keeping the overall severe weather threat low.

The mild pattern continues overnight, with temperatures holding in the 60s across much of the region, more typical of late spring than early April. This sets the stage for another very warm day on Wednesday, where some parts of southern Delmarva could end up even warmer than today. However, a cold front approaching from the northwest will begin to complicate the forecast, especially farther north where slightly cooler air may start to edge in.

By Wednesday afternoon and evening, that cold front will move into the region, bringing an increasing chance for showers and a few thunderstorms. While instability will be somewhat limited, a marginal risk for isolated strong storms exists, mainly across western areas. Any storms that do develop could produce gusty winds, but widespread severe weather is not expected.

This brief surge of near-record warmth will come to an end behind the front, with cooler and more seasonable conditions expected to return heading into the latter part of the week.

A summer-like surge of warmth across the Delmarva Peninsula will come to an end Wednesday night as a cold front pushes through the region, bringing a round of showers and a few thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening hours.

Ahead of the front, Wednesday is shaping up to be another unseasonably warm and humid day. Temperatures are expected to climb into the upper 70s to near 80 degrees across much of Delmarva, with some locations potentially challenging daily record highs. The combination of warmth and increasing humidity will create a more unstable atmosphere by late in the day.

That setup will allow for the development of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the mid to late afternoon and into the evening hours. While a few storms could become locally strong, the overall severe weather threat remains low at this time. Forecast soundings indicate some instability will be present, but wind shear appears limited, which should prevent widespread organized severe storms. Current guidance from the Storm Prediction Center does not highlight the region for severe weather in the Day 3 outlook, reinforcing the limited threat.

Rainfall amounts are expected to be relatively light, generally ranging from a tenth to a half inch, with the higher totals likely staying north and west of the I-95 corridor. No flooding concerns are anticipated given the modest rainfall rates and progressive nature of the system.

Showers may linger into the overnight hours Wednesday before the cold front clears the region, setting the stage for a cooler and less humid air mass heading into the end of the week.

A noticeable warming trend is underway across the Delmarva Peninsula as a warm front begins lifting north through the region, bringing a mix of increasing clouds, spotty showers, and a significant jump in temperatures through mid-week.

High pressure has shifted offshore to the southeast, allowing a milder and more humid air mass to move in. As the warm front pushes northward today into early Tuesday, skies will turn mostly cloudy with the chance for scattered light showers developing later today and lingering into Tuesday. While a brief rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out overnight, the overall setup remains weak, with minimal impacts expected. Rainfall totals will be light, generally a few tenths of an inch or less, and no severe weather is anticipated.

The more notable story will be the warming temperatures. Highs today will climb into the 60s for most inland locations, with a few spots nearing 70 degrees, though cooler conditions will persist along the immediate coast due to onshore flow. Overnight lows will remain mild, settling into the 50s.

By Tuesday, much warmer air takes hold, with highs surging into the mid to upper 70s across much of Delmarva. The warming trend peaks on Wednesday, when temperatures are expected to reach well into the 80s for many areas. Overnight lows will also turn unseasonably warm, staying in the 60s, creating a noticeably more humid feel.

These temperatures could approach or even challenge record highs for late March, marking a sharp shift from recent cooler conditions. While clouds and a few showers may pass through at times, the dominant theme through mid-week will be spring warmth building across the region.

...NWS Damage Survey for 03/11/26 Prospect Hills MD Tornado...

.Prospect Hills, MD Tornado...

Rating:                 EF-0
Estimated Peak Wind:    80 mph
Path Length /statute/:  0.3 miles
Path Width /maximum/:   75 yards
Fatalities:             0
Injuries:               0

Start Date:             Mar 11 2026
Start Time:             7:14 PM EDT
Start Location:         Prospect Hills / Carroll County / MD
Start Lat/Lon:          39.357 / -76.893

End Date:               Mar 11 2026
End Time:               7:15 PM EDT
End Location:           Prospect Hills / Carroll County / MD
End Lat/Lon:            39.360 / -76.890

Survey Summary:

A supercell thunderstorm moved through northern Montgomery, 
northwestern Howard, and southeast Carroll Counties in Maryland 
during the evening hours of Wednesday March 11, 2026. The bow echo
and associated downbursts/thunderstorm wind gusts caused sporadic
tree damage from 60 to 80 mph gusts, and created both a brief EF1
tornado near Cooksville in northwestern Howard County for which 
there is a previous report, and this EF0 tornado in Prospect Hills
MD, in southeastern Carroll County in the Patapsco Valley State 
Park.

As the storm crossed into southeastern Carroll County, it 
produced a brief tornado in Patapsco Valley State Park, with an 
EF0 touching down at 7:14 pm. In the park, just east of 
Marriottsville Rd, there were numerous trees uprooted and snapped.
The most intense area of tree damage was right along the entrance
drive in the McKeldin Area. Peak winds in this area were 
estimated to be 80 mph. Several trees were snapped down in 
multiple directions in a path up to 75 yards wide. Shortly after, 
the tornado lifted at 7:15 pm and no further tornadic damage was 
noted. However, sporadic wind damage in the direction of storm 
motion continued to occur with the winds from the severe 
thunderstorm.

Special thanks to Montgomery and Carroll County Offices of 
Emergency Management for their assistance and damage assessments.

&&

EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0.........65 to 85 mph
EF1.........86 to 110 mph
EF2.........111 to 135 mph
EF3.........136 to 165 mph
EF4.........166 to 200 mph
EF5.........>200 mph

A shift in the weather pattern behind today’s cold front could bring an increased risk for fire spread across the Delmarva Peninsula heading into Saturday.

Canadian high pressure building into the region will usher in a much drier and cooler airmass. While skies will turn partly to mostly sunny, the combination of low humidity and gusty winds is raising some concern. Relative humidity values are expected to drop into the 25 to 30 percent range, while northwest winds increase to around 10 to 15 mph with gusts between 25 and 30 mph.

This setup can enhance the potential for fires to spread more quickly, especially in areas with dry vegetation. Early spring is a particularly vulnerable time across Delmarva, as dormant grasses and brush can ignite easily under these conditions.

One key factor that may help limit the overall threat is rainfall from today’s system. Recent moisture will help keep fuels from becoming critically dry, reducing the likelihood of widespread fire issues. However, localized concerns could still develop, particularly in areas that see lighter rainfall totals.

Residents are encouraged to use caution with any outdoor burning on Saturday, as conditions may allow fires to spread more rapidly than expected.

A cold front sweeping through the Delmarva Peninsula early this morning is bringing scattered showers, gusty winds, and a noticeable shift toward colder conditions as the day progresses.

Rain associated with the front will continue through much of the morning, particularly across Delaware and the Maryland Eastern Shore. While the system is not especially strong, most locations can expect rainfall totals ranging from around a quarter inch up to a half inch. The rain will gradually taper off from west to east, with many areas turning dry by early afternoon. However, a few lingering showers may persist into the mid to late afternoon, especially across southern Delmarva.

Behind the front, breezy conditions will develop through the morning hours, with wind gusts between 20 and 30 mph. Winds will begin to ease later in the afternoon as drier air moves in.

The most noticeable change will be temperatures. Mild conditions early this morning, with readings in the 60s and even low 70s, will not last. Temperatures will steadily fall throughout the day, dropping into the upper 40s and low 50s by the afternoon. That cooling trend will continue into tonight, with lows falling into the mid to upper 20s across inland areas and near the low 30s closer to the coast.

This marks a return to below-normal temperatures across Delmarva heading into the weekend, following the brief stretch of early spring warmth.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495, lowering the maximum allowable speed to 55 miles per hour throughout the corridor due to dangerous weather conditions.

The speed restriction went into effect as weather conditions deteriorated, prompting state transportation authorities to take precautionary measures for motorist safety. The temporary limit applies to the entire length of I-495.

Drivers traveling on the interstate should expect the reduced speed limit to remain in place until weather conditions improve and normal driving conditions return to the roadway.

Drought conditions continue to hold firm across much of the Mid-Atlantic, with the latest U.S. Drought Monitor outlook showing little overall improvement and ongoing long-term dryness across the region.

A prolonged stretch of below-normal precipitation dating back through the winter months has led to widespread moisture deficits, particularly across portions of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. In many areas, 12 to 24 month rainfall deficits exceed several inches, highlighting the long-term nature of this drought.

Across the Mid-Atlantic, streamflows remain well below normal, in some cases falling into the lowest 10th percentile, signaling continued stress on water resources and ecosystems. The drought is being driven by a combination of persistent dry conditions, limited storm systems, and periods of above-normal temperatures, which have accelerated soil moisture loss.

The drought classification system used by the Drought Monitor ranges from Abnormally Dry (D0) to Exceptional Drought (D4), with parts of the broader region experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions (D1–D2), and locally higher in some areas nearby.

Recent rainfall events across parts of the eastern U.S. have brought minor improvements in some nearby regions, but for the Mid-Atlantic, the overall trend remains largely stagnant, with drought coverage and intensity holding steady week-to-week.

Looking ahead, meaningful drought relief will depend on more consistent and widespread precipitation over the coming weeks, especially as the region heads deeper into the spring growing season where water demand increases.

A brief surge of spring warmth is expected across the Delmarva Peninsula and Maryland’s Eastern Shore today, but a cold front will bring a return to cooler and unsettled conditions heading into Friday.

High pressure positioned offshore near the Canadian Maritimes is continuing to drift out to sea, allowing a strengthening southwest flow to develop across the region. This setup is driving warm air advection, pushing temperatures well above normal for late March. Afternoon highs are expected to climb into the low to mid 70s, running roughly 15 to 20 degrees above average. Skies will remain partly to mostly sunny through much of the day, though increasing cloud cover is expected late as the next system approaches.

That system, an area of low pressure tracking north of the region, will drag a cold front toward Delmarva later this evening. Showers are expected to develop during the evening hours and continue overnight, becoming more widespread across Delaware and the Maryland Eastern Shore. While instability remains limited, a brief rumble of thunder cannot be ruled out, though no severe weather is anticipated.

By Friday morning, the cold front will settle into the region and slow down, becoming nearly stationary across the Delmarva Peninsula for much of the day. This will keep periods of showers lingering, especially across southern New Jersey, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, before gradually tapering later in the day.

Behind the front, a noticeable shift in air mass will occur. Cold air advection will take over, leading to falling temperatures throughout Friday. Morning highs in the upper 50s to low 60s will steadily drop into the upper 40s to low 50s by the afternoon, giving the region a much cooler feel compared to the warmth experienced today.

Residents across Delmarva should take advantage of today’s unseasonably warm conditions, as a return to more typical late-March weather arrives quickly heading into the weekend.

High pressure currently positioned off the Northeast coast will continue to influence the Delmarva region through today, delivering dry conditions and a gradual warming trend. As this system shifts offshore tonight, a return flow will develop, allowing temperatures to climb closer to seasonal averages today and well above normal by Thursday.

Expect increasing cloud cover through the day, but temperatures will still respond nicely. Highs this afternoon will reach the mid to upper 50s across Delmarva, followed by a much warmer day on Thursday with highs surging into the upper 60s to near 70 degrees.

This brief stretch of mild weather will be interrupted by an approaching cold front tied to a low pressure system tracking through the Great Lakes into eastern Canada. Rain showers will begin to move into the region Thursday evening, initially across western areas, before spreading southeastward overnight into Friday morning. Rainfall totals are expected to range between a quarter to a half inch.

There is also a slight chance for a rumble of thunder as modest elevated instability develops along the front, though severe weather is not expected at this time.

Winds will become a factor as well. A breezy southwest wind develops Thursday ahead of the front, with gusts increasing to 25 to 35 mph. Behind the front, winds shift to the northwest on Friday, maintaining gusty conditions and ushering in a much cooler air mass.

Temperatures will actually fall through the day on Friday due to strong cold air advection, setting the stage for a chilly start to the weekend. Highs on Saturday will struggle to reach the 50s across Delmarva.

Looking ahead, conditions improve by Sunday as high pressure builds back into the region. Skies will remain dry, and temperatures will moderate closer to seasonal norms.

The National Hurricane Center is introducing a major update to its widely recognized hurricane forecast “cone” ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, aiming to improve how storm risks are communicated to the public.

The updated cone graphic will build on recent experimental versions by better highlighting hazards not just along the coast, but also farther inland. This comes after years of research showing many people mistakenly believe areas outside the cone are safe from impacts, when in reality, dangerous conditions can extend hundreds of miles from a storm’s center.

What’s Changing

The new 2026 cone graphic is expected to more clearly integrate watches and warnings into the display, including inland tropical storm and hurricane alerts. This enhancement is designed to give a more complete picture of where impacts like damaging winds could occur, not just where the storm center is forecast to track.

In recent years, the cone has already evolved from a simple track forecast into a more comprehensive communication tool. The updated version continues that trend, emphasizing that the cone represents the probable path of the storm’s center, not the full extent of impacts.

Why It Matters

The change comes as hurricanes are becoming more complex and, at times, more rapidly intensifying. NOAA says improving how forecast information is displayed is critical to ensuring the public properly understands risk and takes appropriate action.

Past storms have shown that impacts such as storm surge, inland flooding, and tornadoes can occur well outside the cone, leading to dangerous misconceptions if people focus only on the center track.

A Continued Push for Better Forecast Communication

The cone update is part of a broader effort by NOAA to modernize hurricane forecasting. This includes new tools like improved modeling, expanded use of artificial intelligence, and efforts to extend forecast lead times.

Officials stress that while forecast accuracy continues to improve, communication remains just as important as the science itself.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with regular outlooks beginning in mid-May.

With the updated cone graphic rolling out this season, forecasters hope the changes will lead to better public understanding and ultimately, better decision-making when storms threaten.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is taking a major step toward modernizing how weather data is processed, stored, and delivered, with a new focus on expanding the use of cloud computing across its National Weather Service.

This initiative is aimed at improving the speed, flexibility, and accessibility of critical weather data and forecast tools used by meteorologists, emergency managers, and the public.

Moving Toward a Cloud-Based Future

NOAA officials say transitioning more operations to cloud infrastructure will allow the agency to better handle the growing development of environmental data, particularly as next-generation satellites, radar systems, and numerical weather prediction models continue to produce increasingly large datasets.

By leveraging cloud technology, NOAA can reduce reliance on traditional on-premise systems while enabling faster data processing and more efficient dissemination of forecasts and warnings.

Benefits for Forecasting and Public Safety

The shift is expected to enhance forecast accuracy and timeliness by allowing meteorologists to access and analyze data more quickly. Cloud-based systems also provide greater scalability, meaning NOAA can expand computing resources during high-impact weather events when demand is highest.

For the public, this could translate into improved access to real-time weather information, more reliable services, and faster updates during critical situations such as severe storms, hurricanes, and winter weather events.

Supporting Innovation and Collaboration

Another key advantage of cloud integration is the ability to foster collaboration between NOAA and private-sector partners, researchers, and developers. By making data more accessible through cloud platforms, the agency can support innovation in weather modeling, artificial intelligence, and decision-support tools.

This aligns with NOAA’s broader strategy to modernize the nation’s weather enterprise and strengthen partnerships across government, academia, and industry.

What’s Next

While NOAA is still in the early stages of expanding its cloud capabilities, the agency is actively evaluating how best to integrate these technologies into its operations without disrupting critical services.

The long-term goal is to build a more resilient, flexible, and advanced forecasting system that can meet the increasing demands of a changing climate and more extreme weather patterns.

High pressure will dominate the weather pattern across the Delmarva Peninsula through the middle of the week, bringing a stretch of dry, calm, and seasonable conditions.

Expect plenty of sunshine today with a seasonably chilly feel, as high pressure settles directly over the region. Temperatures will gradually moderate into Wednesday as this system shifts offshore, allowing for increasing clouds and a slight warm-up.

By Thursday, a noticeable warming trend takes hold across Delmarva as southerly flow strengthens ahead of an approaching low pressure system. Afternoon temperatures are expected to climb above normal, marking the mildest day of the week.

That system will bring the next chance of precipitation to the region. Rain is expected to develop Thursday night and continue into Friday morning as a cold front sweeps through the Mid-Atlantic. While this is not a significant rainfall event, most areas across Delmarva can expect around a quarter to a half inch of rain.

Behind the front, conditions turn sharply cooler heading into the weekend. Cold air advection will drop temperatures back below normal, with highs struggling to reach the 40s on Saturday. Despite the cooler air, dry conditions return as strong Canadian high pressure builds into the region.

A gradual moderation in temperatures is expected by Sunday, bringing conditions closer to seasonal norms while keeping dry weather in place.

Delaware Department of Transportation has shut down a section of Lambson Lane after power lines fell across the roadway.

The closure affects both directions of travel on Lambson Lane between Pigeon Point Road and Harbor View Drive. Officials say electrical wires are currently obstructing the road, making it unsafe for vehicles to pass.

DelDOT has not provided an estimated time for when the roadway will reopen. Motorists are advised to find alternate routes while crews work to clear the downed lines.

A changing weather pattern is expected across the Mid-Atlantic over the next couple of weeks, starting with a cooler stretch before transitioning to a milder setup heading into early April.

According to the Climate Prediction Center, an upper-level trough developing over the eastern United States will bring below-normal temperatures to the region during the 6 to 10 day period. This pattern supports a push of cooler air into the Mid-Atlantic, with temperatures running several degrees below average as we close out March.

This cooler period will be driven by persistent troughing along the East Coast and a reinforcing northwest flow aloft, allowing cooler air masses to settle into the region.

However, that pattern does not last.

As we move into the 8 to 14 day timeframe, the overall upper-level pattern begins to shift. The eastern trough weakens and lifts out, allowing heights to rise across the eastern United States. This transition opens the door for temperatures to rebound across the Mid-Atlantic, with a growing signal for above-normal temperatures developing.

In other words, after a cool end to March, a warming trend is expected to take hold as we head into early April.

Precipitation, meanwhile, remains somewhat limited through the period. The primary storm track is expected to stay displaced to the north, which favors below-normal precipitation overall across the Mid-Atlantic. While a few systems may pass through, widespread or prolonged rainfall does not appear likely at this time.

The overall takeaway: a cooler-than-normal stretch in the short term will give way to a milder and potentially warmer pattern heading into early April, with generally limited precipitation along the way.

A strong cold front is sweeping across the Delmarva Peninsula this morning, bringing a period of showers followed by a sharp drop in temperatures and increasing winds that will make for a raw and blustery day.

Early this morning, a disorganized but impactful system stretched from eastern Virginia to just off the coast near Cape May, helping to drive a band of steady showers across the region. This rainfall is expected to persist through the early morning hours before gradually tapering off by mid to late morning. However, the unsettled pattern doesn’t end there, as a secondary round of light showers or drizzle may develop around midday into the early afternoon.

Behind the departing system, a strong surge of cold air is quickly moving into the region. Temperatures will likely peak early in the day before steadily falling, dropping into the 40s and low 50s by late morning and afternoon. This cold air advection, combined with thick cloud cover, will create a noticeably colder feel compared to recent days.

In addition to the cooler air, winds will become a major factor. As the pressure gradient tightens between departing low pressure and building high pressure to the west, north to northwest winds will increase to 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching 25 to 35 mph throughout the afternoon. These gusty winds will enhance the chilly conditions, making it feel even colder across the peninsula.

Showers should come to an end by mid-afternoon, but skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy for much of the day, reinforcing the cool and damp feel.

Conditions improve tonight as winds gradually diminish and skies begin to clear. Sunshine returns for Tuesday, though temperatures will remain on the cooler side, signaling a quieter but still brisk stretch of weather across Delmarva.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have implemented a temporary speed reduction on Interstate 495 due to current rainfall affecting the roadway.

The speed limit has been adjusted down to 55 miles per hour as a safety measure while wet conditions persist on the highway. This precautionary step is designed to help motorists maintain better control of their vehicles and reduce the risk of weather-related accidents.

Drivers traveling on I-495 are advised to observe the posted reduced speed limit and exercise additional caution while road surfaces remain slick from precipitation.

Delaware Department of Transportation officials have temporarily shut down a section of Airport Road due to standing water that has made the route impassable for vehicles.

The closure affects the stretch of roadway between Exit 5A and Meadow Road, with floodwaters blocking traffic flow in both directions. Motorists are being advised to seek alternate routes while crews assess the situation.

DelDOT has not yet provided an estimated timeline for when the roadway might reopen to traffic. Drivers should expect delays and plan accordingly when traveling in the area.

Motorists traveling on Interstate 495 will need to slow down as transportation authorities have implemented a temporary speed reduction due to current weather conditions.

The Delaware Department of Transportation has lowered the speed limit to 55 miles per hour on I-495 as rain creates potentially dangerous driving conditions for commuters and travelers.

The speed restriction is a safety precaution designed to reduce the risk of accidents on wet roadways, where vehicles require longer stopping distances and traction can be compromised.

Drivers are advised to exercise additional caution, maintain safe following distances, and adjust their speed according to road conditions while the temporary limit remains in effect.

The Delmarva Peninsula is set to enjoy a stretch of mild and quiet weather this weekend before a strong cold front brings a return to colder, breezier conditions to start the new week.

High pressure will keep conditions tranquil through Saturday and much of Sunday, with a steady warming trend underway. Afternoon highs on Saturday will reach the mid 50s to low 60s, followed by a milder night with lows only dropping into the low 40s. By Sunday, temperatures will climb even higher, with much of Delmarva seeing mid to upper 60s, and some locations potentially approaching or even reaching 70 degrees.

Clouds will begin to increase later Sunday as the next weather system approaches from the west. Showers are expected to develop Sunday afternoon and continue into Sunday night as a cold front moves toward the region. While widespread severe weather is not expected, there is enough atmospheric instability for a few isolated rumbles of thunder.

Rain chances across Delmarva will be somewhat lower compared to areas farther north, but periods of showers are still likely before tapering off by Monday afternoon as the cold front clears the coast.

Behind the front, a sharp change in conditions is expected. Colder air will quickly move in on Monday, with temperatures likely holding steady or even falling during the day. At the same time, gusty northwest winds will develop, with gusts potentially reaching 30 to 40 mph, creating a noticeably chillier feel.

The colder pattern will continue into Monday night, with temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s, followed by highs only in the mid to upper 40s on Tuesday.

Looking ahead, temperatures will gradually moderate through the middle of next week, with additional chances for light rain returning by Wednesday into Thursday.

A mild but breezy day is unfolding across the Delmarva Peninsula as a fast-moving weather system tracks north of the region, bringing increasing winds, warmer temperatures, and a chance for evening showers.

Southerly winds are strengthening through the afternoon as the pressure gradient tightens ahead of an approaching cold front. Wind gusts are expected to reach 25 to 35 mph, especially during the mid to late afternoon hours. These gusty conditions are being driven by a strengthening low-level jet and improved daytime mixing, allowing stronger winds aloft to reach the surface.

Temperatures are responding accordingly, climbing into the lower to mid 60s inland, marking a noticeable warm-up compared to recent days. However, areas along the immediate coast will remain cooler due to persistent onshore flow off the still-chilly Atlantic waters.

Clouds will continue to increase through the day, with showers developing late this afternoon and becoming more widespread this evening as a weak cold front approaches. While the overall severe weather risk remains low across Delmarva, there is a slight chance of a thunderstorm, primarily west of the region. Most local impacts will be limited to periods of rain and brief heavier downpours.

Rainfall totals across Delmarva are expected to be relatively light, generally ranging from around 0.10 to 0.20 inches, though isolated higher amounts are possible in any heavier showers.

Conditions will improve overnight as the cold front pushes offshore, bringing an end to the rain and a gradual decrease in winds heading into early Saturday.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor outlook shows a split pattern across the Mid-Atlantic, with some areas seeing improvement after recent rainfall, while others continue to dry out amid persistent warmth and long-term precipitation deficits.

Rain Brings Limited Relief to Northern Areas

Across the northern Mid-Atlantic, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and parts of Maryland, a widespread 0.5 to 2 inches of rainfall over the past week has helped improve drought conditions in some locations.

Locally higher amounts, topping 2 to 3 inches, were recorded in central and northeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. This rainfall helped boost groundwater levels and ease longer-term precipitation deficits, allowing for modest improvement in drought classifications.

However, the relief has been somewhat tempered by unseasonably warm temperatures, which ran 9 to 12 degrees above normal across much of the region. These warmer conditions increase evaporation rates, limiting how effective the rainfall is in fully recharging soil moisture.

Drying Concerns Growing to the South

Farther south into Virginia and the broader Southeast, drought conditions are becoming more concerning.

In west-central Virginia, severe drought has expanded as soil moisture remains depleted and longer-term rainfall deficits continue to worsen. The same above-normal temperatures have only accelerated drying, increasing stress on soon to be planeted vegetation and water resources.

While isolated rainfall in parts of North Carolina brought minor improvement, it was not enough to significantly change the broader dry pattern.

Wider Regional Context

The Mid-Atlantic sits between two contrasting regimes:

• To the north: Periodic storm systems are providing temporary relief
• To the south: Persistent dryness and heat are driving worsening drought conditions

This transition zone places areas like Maryland and Delaware in a more uncertain position, where short-term rainfall may help, but longer-term deficits remain a concern heading into the spring growing season.

What This Means Going Forward

Despite recent rainfall in some areas, the overall trend suggests that consistent, widespread precipitation will be needed to fully reverse developing drought conditions.

If the current pattern of above-normal temperatures and inconsistent rainfall continues, parts of the Mid-Atlantic could see further drought expansion as we move deeper into spring.

For now, the region remains in a fragile balance, with improving conditions in some locations, but increasing drought pressure just to the south that could easily expand northward in the coming weeks.

After a stretch of cooler conditions, temperatures across the Delmarva Peninsula are set to moderate heading into the end of the week, with a brief taste of spring expected this weekend before cooler air returns early next week.

A warm front lifting through the region on Thursday will begin the transition, allowing temperatures to rebound into the upper 40s to low 50s. This marks a return to more seasonable conditions across Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

The warming trend continues Friday as a stronger system passes north of the region. Southerly winds will increase, helping push highs into the upper 50s to near 60 degrees across much of Delmarva. A weakening cold front associated with this system will move through Friday night, bringing a period of light rain. Rainfall amounts are expected to remain on the lighter side, generally around a tenth to a quarter inch.

Heading into the weekend, conditions turn even milder. Saturday looks partly to mostly sunny with highs climbing into the low to mid 60s. By Sunday, even warmer air surges into the region ahead of the next approaching system, with temperatures reaching the mid to upper 60s inland. Coastal areas may stay slightly cooler due to onshore flow and the influence of colder ocean waters.

Another cold front is expected to cross Delmarva late Sunday into Sunday night, bringing a second round of scattered rain showers to end the weekend.

Behind this system, cooler Canadian air filters back into the region early next week. While temperatures will drop back closer to seasonal averages, conditions look dry and stable through at least midweek.

Overall, Delmarva will experience a classic early spring pattern: a brief warm-up with passing systems bringing light rain, followed by a return to cooler, quieter weather.

...NWS Damage Survey for 03/16/26 New Windsor, MD Tornado...

.New Windsor, MD Tornado...

Rating:                 EF-0
Estimated Peak Wind:    80 mph
Path Length /statute/:  1.68 miles
Path Width /maximum/:   150 yards 
Fatalities:             0
Injuries:               0

Start Date:             03/16/2026
Start Time:             12:02 PM EDT
Start Location:         2 SSE Linwood / Carroll County / MD
Start Lat/Lon:          39.53609 / -77.12975

End Date:               03/11/2026
End Time:               12:05 PM EDT
End Location:           2 ESE Linwood / Carroll County / MD
End Lat/Lon:            39.55740 / -77.11459

Survey Summary:

A line embedded supercell developed and tracked over north-central 
Maryland during the late morning into early afternoon hours on 
Monday, March 16, 2026. This storm was part of a much larger system 
that brought multiple rounds of severe weather to much of the 
eastern United States.

Rotation was evident within the storm around 2000 to 3000 feet above 
ground on the KLWX WSR-88D radar, prompting a Tornado Warning as the 
storm moved from Frederick into Carroll County. The FAA TDWR TBWI 
showed this rotation quickly strengthen and lower to below 2000 feet 
just to the southeast of the mid-level mesocyclone being sampled by 
the KLWX WSR-88D. The tightened lower-level rotation persisted on 
TBWI for 1 to 2 minutes after the mid-level rotation on KLWX had 
notably weakened.

It was beneath the tightening low-level rotation at around 12:02 PM 
EDT that the first evidence of tornadic damage was found. Several 
trees in a weakened state just southeast of the intersection of 
Hawks Hill Road and Beth Way snapped near the trunk, and fell toward 
the east, west, and north. The parent storm motion was northeast. 
The trees that fell were only around 100 feet apart at most, with an 
undisturbed landscape around it indicating an initially very narrow 
vortex perhaps no larger than about 25 to 50 yards in width.

The tornado then crossed through open fields, lifting the south end 
of a long irrigation system and rolling it about 100 feet toward the 
north just east of Winters Church Road.

After this, the circulation continued northeastward crossing several 
more fields and groves of trees, as well as Little Pipe Creek. The 
next visible and accessible damage was noted as the tornado 
approached and crossed MD-75 Green Valley Road near the intersection 
with MD-84 Union Bridge Road. Here, a couple dozen trees fell in 
opposing directions (southeast, northeast, east, northwest, and 
north). One large tree toppled onto power lines taking down a power 
pole and briefly trapping a motorist between the downed wires, pole, 
and downed trees. Several large pine trees at the intersection had 
their tops sheared off, falling toward the north, northeast, and 
east. Two trees on a hill just east of Mill Dale Lane fell toward 
the north-northwest, likely just outside the circulation but in its 
inflow as it passed across MD-84 Union Bridge Road. Meanwhile, an 
outbuilding just to the southwest of MD-75 Green Valley Road 
suffered a near total roof collapse, with the west-northwest facing 
walls partially collapsed inward. Similar to the trees off Mill Dale 
Lane, this outbuilding may have been just outside the tornadic 
circulation, with the damage a result of inflow winds into the 
vortex as it passed. It is at this point where the tornado reached 
its largest and strongest, with an estimated path width of 150 yards 
and peak winds of 80 mph. Despite the extent of the damage, only 
about one-third of the trees in its path at this point sustained 
visible damage, with no other visible damage to other outbuildings 
or the farmhouse at the nearby farm.

A video taken from the Carroll County Emergency Operations Center 
showed a swiftly rotating lowering, likely the tornado in progress 
as it approached and crossed the intersection of MD-75 Green Valley 
Road and MD-84 Union Bridge Road, just northwest of their facility. 
Although trees in the foreground obstructed the view and could not 
confirm ground contact, the video was directly coincident with radar 
and the observed (convergent) damage.

A few trees had their tops snapped off just northeast of MD-84 Union 
Bridge Road, but no visible damage was noted beyond this point. It 
is possible, based on the rotation signature on TBWI, that the 
tornado could have persisted for up to another mile over open 
fields, but the path length in this survey can only confidently 
conclude a path up to this point, approximately 1.68 miles in length.

The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast 
Office thanks Carroll County Office of Emergency Management for 
their assistance. Additionally, thanks to the trained spotters, 
media, and public that sent in reports of damage.

EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the 
following categories:

EF0.........65 to 85 mph
EF1.........86 to 110 mph
EF2.........111 to 135 mph
EF3.........136 to 165 mph
EF4.........166 to 200 mph
EF5.........>200 mph

A powerful line of storms swept across the Delmarva region Monday evening, leaving behind a trail of damage now confirmed by the National Weather Service as a mix of tornadoes and destructive straight-line winds.

According to storm survey teams from the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, at least two EF-1 tornadoes touched down in the region, along with several corridors of intense wind damage reaching up to 100 mph.

One tornado was confirmed near Ridgely, Maryland, where winds between 90 and 100 mph carved a nearly one-mile path. Significant damage was reported, including a barn that was completely destroyed, debris thrown hundreds of yards, and numerous large trees uprooted or snapped.

A second EF-1 tornado was confirmed near Frederica, Delaware, with a shorter path of about 0.7 miles. Damage in this area was primarily to trees, along with a shed that was destroyed after being struck by a falling tree.

In addition to the tornadoes, multiple areas experienced intense straight-line wind damage, some of which rivaled tornado strength.

Near Camden, Delaware, winds were estimated between 90 and 100 mph, where several trees were snapped and fell onto mobile homes. One injury was reported in this area.

Further west in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, a large swath of wind damage stretched nearly two miles from near Sudlersville toward Millington Road. Here, winds between 80 and 90 mph snapped power poles, tore metal roofing from farm buildings, and caused widespread tree damage.

Another concentrated pocket of wind damage was observed just south of Ridgely, Maryland, where winds up to 90 mph destroyed part of a farm outbuilding and scattered debris across nearby fields.

Outside of these hardest-hit areas, much of the region experienced widespread wind damage in the 60 to 70 mph range, consistent with the passage of a strong cold front.

Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though the storms serve as a reminder of how quickly severe weather can intensify across the Mid-Atlantic.

The National Weather Service notes that this information remains preliminary and could be refined further as additional analysis is completed.

Full Summary On The Survey Can Be Found Here: https://partnerservices.nws.noaa.gov/products/cache/77-2026/PNSPHI/a6006d7e191cb0e7bc57c3bd63df514b

After a stretch of below-normal temperatures, conditions across the Delmarva Peninsula are set to gradually improve heading into the end of the week and the upcoming weekend. However, this warming trend will come with a few weak weather systems bringing occasional chances for light rain before cooler air returns early next week.

Through Thursday, quiet weather will dominate the region. Expect a mix of clouds and dry conditions, with temperatures remaining below average for mid-March.

A transition begins Thursday as a warm front lifts northward across Delmarva. This will allow temperatures to rebound closer to seasonal norms, rising roughly 7 to 10 degrees compared to midweek levels. Despite the warming trend, this system is not expected to produce any precipitation locally.

By Thursday night, a weak cold front passes to the north of the region. While this system may bring light rain and even some snow well north and west of the I-95 corridor, Delmarva will likely only see minimal impacts, with perhaps a spotty shower at most.

The warming trend continues into Friday as that boundary lifts back north. Temperatures will climb a few degrees higher, with another weak system approaching Friday night. This could bring a slight chance of light rain, but once again, the better chances for measurable precipitation appear to stay north and west of the peninsula.

Heading into the weekend, warmer air becomes more firmly established. By Saturday and especially Sunday, much of Delmarva is expected to see temperatures rise into the middle to upper 60s, providing a noticeable break from the recent chill.

The next more organized system arrives late Sunday into Sunday night, as a cold front pushes through the region. This will bring a better chance for scattered showers across Delmarva before moving offshore.

Behind this front, cooler and drier air returns to start the new week. Temperatures will fall back to more seasonable levels on Monday, with a reinforcing push of colder Canadian high pressure arriving by Tuesday. This will bring another period of below-normal temperatures to the region.

Overall, the pattern remains relatively quiet, with no significant storms expected, but periodic light rain chances and temperature swings will define the forecast over the next several days.

...CONFIRMED EF-1 TORNADO IN KENT COUNTY DELAWARE...

The survey team from the National Weather Service office has
confirmed a tornado occurred Monday evening near Frederica,
Delaware (Kent County). The preliminary rating is an EF-1 with
estimated maximum wind speed of 100 mph. 

Additional extensive wind damage near Camden Delaware remains
under review. Preliminary estimate of maximum wind speed in this
area is 100 mph. A determination if this was straight line wind or
tornado damage will be coming later.

Previously the survey team had confirmed a tornado occurred Monday
evening in Ridgely, Maryland (Caroline County). The preliminary 
rating of this tornado is an EF-1 with maximum winds to 100 mph.

The survey team also examined significant wind damage that
occurred between Sudlersville and Millington in Maryland (Queen 
Anne's County). The preliminary result is that extensive straight-
line winds occurred with speeds between 70-90 mph.

A final assessment including all of the details are expected to 
be completed and transmitted via a Public Information Statement 
on Wednesday.

The storm survey information will also be available on our
website at http://www.weather.gov/phi

..CONFIRMED EF-1 TORNADO IN CAROLINE COUNTY MARYLAND… …EXTENSIVE STRAIGHT-LINE WIND DAMAGE CONFIRMED IN QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY MARYLAND…

A survey team from the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey has confirmed a tornado occurred last night in Ridgely, Maryland (Caroline County). The preliminary result is an an EF-1 with maximum winds to 100 mph. The survey team also examined significant wind damage that occurred last night between Sudlersville and Millington in Maryland (Queen Anne’s County). The preliminary result is that extensive straight-line winds occurred with speeds between 70-90 mph. The survey team is currently in Kent County, Delaware.

A final assessment including all of the details are expected to be completed and transmitted via a Public Information Statement sometime this evening. The storm survey information will also be available on our website at http://www.weather.gov/phi

A powerful line of storms swept across the Delmarva Peninsula late Monday night, producing widespread damaging wind gusts across both Delaware and Maryland. Reports from the National Weather Service show several locations experienced winds over 60 mph, with a few spots nearing hurricane-force strength.

The strongest wind gusts were reported in Kent County, Delaware, where both 1 NE Magnolia and SR1 at Trap Shooters Road measured peak gusts of 73 mph. Winds of that magnitude are capable of bringing down trees, damaging power lines, and causing structural damage.

Other strong reports across Delaware included 68 mph in Bethel, 66 mph at Delaware Airpark, 66 mph at Dover Air Force Base, and 61 mph at Delaware Coastal Airport. Along the coast, Lewes and Dewey Beach both reached 58 mph.

In Maryland, the highest measured gust was 67 mph near Galena in Kent County. Other notable reports included 62 mph near Rock Hall, 61 mph near Queen Anne, and several additional gusts in the 50 to 60 mph range across Caroline, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties.

Much of the damage from this event appears to be consistent with straight-line winds, but National Weather Service Meteorologists are also closely examining whether a few embedded tornadoes may have occurred within the line of storms, especially across Kent County, Delaware, and Caroline County, Maryland. These types of quick spin-up tornadoes can develop within a fast-moving squall line and may be difficult to distinguish from damaging thunderstorm winds based on initial reports alone.

Photos from Alyster Jay & Kyle Guesfeird

At this time, the main damage reports have involved trees down and structural damage, which can occur from either intense straight-line winds or brief tornadoes. Additional storm surveys and damage assessments may be needed to determine whether any tornadoes touched down.

Meteorologically, this event was driven by a strong cold front and a powerful line of thunderstorms that tapped into stronger winds just above the ground and brought them down to the surface. That created a widespread corridor of damaging winds across the region, with many areas experiencing severe thunderstorm-force gusts well above 58 mph.

Even outside the hardest-hit areas, many locations still reported gusts between 40 and 50 mph, adding to hazardous travel conditions and scattered damage concerns overnight.

Residents in Kent and Caroline Counties who experienced storm damage are encouraged to share reports, especially where there may be evidence of concentrated or convergent damage. That information can help determine whether the damage was caused solely by straight-line winds or if embedded tornadoes were involved.

Delaware transportation officials have shut down a portion of Route 9 after storm conditions brought down several power lines across the roadway.

The complete closure affects all traffic traveling between Dairy Farm Road and Beaver Dam Road while crews work to clear the fallen utility poles and restore safe passage.

DelDOT has not provided an estimated timeline for when the roadway will reopen to normal traffic flow. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes until further notice.

The power line failures appear to be weather-related, though officials have not specified which recent weather event caused the infrastructure damage.

Traffic is being impacted on Deep Grass Road near the Milford Harrington Highway intersection after a tree fell across the roadway.

The Delaware Department of Transportation has issued a traffic alert for the incident, which is blocking vehicle access in the area.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow.

Motorists traveling on Westville Road will need to find alternative routes after a fallen tree forced officials to block traffic near the Mahan Corner Road intersection.

The Delaware Department of Transportation reports the roadway remains impassable while crews work to remove the tree blocking the travel lanes.

Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes until the obstruction can be cleared and normal traffic flow restored to the area.

A stretch of Peterkins Road has been shut down to all traffic after trees and electrical wires came down across the roadway, according to Delaware Department of Transportation officials.

The road closure affects the section between Evergreen Drive and Haven Drive, forcing motorists to find alternate routes until cleanup crews can safely remove the debris.

DelDOT has not provided an estimated time for when the roadway will reopen to normal traffic flow. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes until further notice.

Weather officials from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office in New Jersey issued a severe thunderstorm warning on March 16th, alerting residents to dangerous conditions in the area.

The warning went into effect at 10:07 PM EDT and remained active until 11:00 PM EDT on the same evening, giving residents nearly an hour to prepare for severe weather conditions.

The alert was part of the National Weather Service’s ongoing efforts to keep communities informed about potentially hazardous weather events that could impact public safety.

Weather officials from the National Weather Service Mount Holly office in New Jersey issued a tornado warning on March 16th at 10:45 PM EDT.

The severe weather alert remained active until 11:00 PM EDT on the same date.

The warning was part of the National Weather Service’s emergency notification system to alert residents of potentially dangerous tornado conditions in the area.

Local residents received a severe thunderstorm warning from the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly, New Jersey office on the evening of March 16th.

The weather alert was issued at 10:44 PM EDT and remained active until 11:15 PM EDT on the same date.

The warning originated from the National Weather Service facility in Mount Holly, which monitors weather conditions for the region and issues alerts when dangerous conditions develop.

Weather officials have issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the region, warning residents to prepare for potentially dangerous storm conditions.

The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey issued the alert on March 16th at 11:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The watch will remain active until 12:00 AM EDT on March 17th.

Residents should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter if severe thunderstorms develop in their area during the watch period.