11 and counting: A look at tornadoes in Maryland this year

Much of Maryland was once again under a tornado watch this week as strong storms battered the Northeast on Thursday. At least 11 tornadoes have hit Maryland so far this year, making it one of the most active seasons in recent years.

The National Weather Service is investigating whether a low-grade tornado touched down in Queen Anne’s County on the Eastern Shore on Thursday evening. If confirmed, this season will be the most active since 2020, according to Storm Prediction Center data, when 20 tornadoes swept through the region. Maryland averages around 8 tornadoes a year.

Many of this year’s tornadoes toppled trees and caused other damage in the Baltimore region, including in Howard, Anne Arundel and Carroll counties. Tornadoes were also reported in Caroline, Talbot, Dorchester and Calvert counties.

It’s not completely out of the ordinary, said Kevin Rodriguez, a meteorologist for the weather service’s Baltimore/Washington office. The region saw 11 tornadoes last year, he said. But this summer has been more active nationwide, with the number of tornadoes well above the average, according to Storm Prediction Center data.

While the Baltimore region was largely spared on Thursday, heavy rain caused flash flooding in some areas and tornadoes touched down in Delaware and New York.

Photos and video on social media show the roof of a motel being blown off in Dover, Delaware. National Weather Service crews were in Dover Friday to determine the strength and path of the tornado.

The threat of severe weather diminishes significantly in Maryland past mid-August, as temperatures drop and the air tends to get drier.

What to do when officials send out tornado alerts

The National Weather Service issues both tornado watches and warnings.

A tornado watch indicates that weather conditions are right for a possible tornado. People should stay alert and keep an eye on weather updates.

A warning is issued when a tornado is occurring and has been sighted. This is the time to take shelter, usually in the lowest level of a building and away from windows.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.