High Wind in Maryland, December 12, 2000

A rapidly intensifying low pressure system and its associated cold front produced high winds across the Maryland Eastern Shore. during the morning of the 12th. Peak wind gusts ranged between 50 and 60 mph and knocked down trees, tree limbs and power lines. About 11,000 homes and businesses lost power. But by 2 p.m. EST, all but 100 customers had it restored. The worst reported wind damage occurred in Caroline County where seven municipalities reported wind damage. The worst damage within the county occurred in the northern part around Henderson where downed trees blocked several roads. The low pressure system intensified from a 1009 Mb central pressure in Missouri the morning of the 11th to a 984 Mb low near Burlington Vermont the morning of the 12th. The peak wind gust at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport was 54 mph. The rapid drop in the low's central pressure of about 25 Mb within a 24 hour period is normally described as a meteorological bomb. This rapid intensification normally occurs over the western Atlantic Ocean, but when it does occur over land, could cause high winds and wind damage.