Hail and Damaging Winds in Maryland, May 24, 2000

Thunderstorms producing winds in excess of 55 MPH, large hail, frequent lighting, and heavy downpours moved across Maryland during the afternoon and evening of the 24th. The storms struck first in Washington County, where dime sized hail was reported in Hagerstown and south of Smithsburg. Pea sized hail fell in Williamsport. In Frederick County, the storms left behind downed trees and power lines from Myersville to Thurmont. In Carroll County, dime sized hail fell in Mt. Airy and pea to marble sized hail fell in the Manchester and Melrose areas. In Baltimore County, pea sized hail was reported in Katonsville and marble size hail fell in Arbutus. In Howard County, hail ranging from the size of nickels to golfballs fell around Ellicott City. Interstate 70 and Route 99 were covered in hail and stripped leaves for a short time. Some homeowners in Ellicott City reported damage to siding, dented vehicles, and damaged vegetation. In Anne Arundel County, several trees and power lines were downed, leaving 8300 county customers without electricity. Officials in Glen Burnie, Pasadena, Gambrills, Loch Haven, Severna Park, Davidsonville, and Lothian reported downed trees blocking roads. Dime sized hail fell in Rivera Beach and Linthicum. In Prince George's County, power lines were downed in Bowie, Landover, and along Route 382 in the southeast portion of the county. The storm knocked out electricity to 8500 county customers. A wind gust of 55 MPH was recorded nearby at Washington National Airport. In Calvert County, trees were downed in Dunkirk.