Tornado and Hail in Maryland, July 30, 1999

A thunderstorm producing wind gusts in excess of 55 MPH, heavy downpours, and dangerous lightning developed over Howard County around 6:00 PM EDT. The storm moved to the south and crossed into Prince Georges County by 6:30 PM EDT. As the storm moved through the Clarkesville and West Friendship area of Howard County, trees and power lines were downed. The storm also downed a tree in Laurel as it moved through Prince Georges County. A second severe thunderstorm developed just north of the Mason-Dixon line around 8:00 PM EDT and moved south across Baltimore County and the city of Baltimore through 9:00 PM EDT. As the storm moved through the town of Hereford in Northern Baltimore County, grapefruit sized hail was reported. The storm also produced a weak, short-lived tornado that touched down one mile south of Beckleysville around 8:30 PM EDT. The tornado moved southeast and stayed on the ground for 3 miles until it reached the Mt. Carmel area. Several trees were damaged or downed in the path of the tornado, and weak structures such as lawn furniture and a tent were also blown over. As the storm moved into the southern half of the county it produced golf ball sized hail at Cockeysville and in the city of Baltimore.