A dangerous severe weather situation is unfolding across southern Maryland as a Tornado Warning has been issued for Charles and St. Mary’s Counties following reports of an observed tornado. Residents in the warning area should take immediate action and move to a safe location.
An observed tornado means the threat is no longer only based on radar indications — a tornado has been visually confirmed or detected, increasing the urgency for residents in the storm’s path.
Areas at Risk
Communities across Charles and St. Mary’s Counties should remain alert as the tornadic storm moves through the region. Residents should be prepared for:
- Tornado conditions
- Flying debris
- Damaging winds
- Falling trees and power lines
- Possible structural damage
Previous tornado warnings in southern Maryland have highlighted communities including areas near La Plata, Waldorf, and surrounding locations as vulnerable to rapidly developing severe storms.
What To Do During a Tornado Warning
If you are inside the warning area:
✅ Take shelter immediately
✅ Move to a basement, storm shelter, or interior room on the lowest floor
✅ Stay away from windows and exterior walls
✅ Protect your head and neck from flying debris
✅ Do not attempt to watch the tornado from outside
If you are driving:
- Do not stop under bridges or overpasses
- Find a sturdy building if possible
- If no shelter is available, stay buckled in your vehicle and lower your head below the window line while covering yourself
Emergency officials in St. Mary’s County recommend moving to a safe interior location during tornado warnings and avoiding windows due to flying debris hazards.
Severe Weather Safety Reminder
Tornadoes can change direction quickly and may produce little warning before causing damage. Even after the tornado threat passes, residents should watch for:
- Downed power lines
- Damaged trees
- Blocked roads
- Additional severe storms
Continue monitoring official weather alerts and emergency information until the warning has expired.
Radar Watch HQ Weather Alert:
Stay weather aware across Maryland as severe thunderstorms continue moving through the region. Enable emergency alerts, keep weather radar available, and have a severe weather safety plan ready before storms arrive.
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Radar Watch HQ Top 5 Essential Emergency Preparedness Picks
Whether you’re preparing for severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, hurricanes, wildfires, or extended power outages, these five emergency essentials can help keep your household safer when severe weather strikes.
A portable power station provides reliable backup electricity during outages, allowing you to power phones, medical devices, laptops, lights, small appliances, and communication equipment without fuel.
Best for:
- Extended power outages
- Severe thunderstorms
- Hurricanes
- Winter storms
- Wildfires
2. Flood Protection Barriers & Sandless Flood Bags
Flood barriers help divert or absorb water before it enters garages, doorways, and low-lying areas. They deploy quickly and can help reduce property damage during flash flooding.
Best for:
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Heavy rainfall
- River flooding
- Coastal flooding
3. Rechargeable LED Flashlights
Bright, dependable flashlights are essential when the power goes out. Rechargeable or solar-powered models provide long-lasting illumination for navigating safely indoors and outdoors.
Best for:
- Overnight power outages
- Emergency evacuations
- Storm damage inspections
Keep phones, tablets, weather radios, and USB-powered devices charged when the electrical grid is unavailable. A solar power bank offers an additional charging option during prolonged emergencies.
Best for:
- Communication during outages
- Emergency weather alerts
- Travel and evacuation
A NOAA Weather Radio delivers official weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service, even when cellular networks or internet service are unavailable. It remains one of the most dependable ways to receive life-saving warnings.
Best for:
- Tornado warnings
- Severe thunderstorm warnings
- Flash flood warnings
- Hurricane alerts
- Winter storm emergencies
Why Radar Watch HQ Recommends These Essentials
At Radar Watch HQ, preparedness is just as important as staying informed. These five emergency essentials can help you stay connected, protect your property, and safely navigate severe weather events. Having supplies ready before storms arrive allows you to respond quickly when warnings are issued and conditions begin to deteriorate.
