Maryland, 2026

Tornado and Damaging Winds in Maryland, March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026 · NWS LWX · 51 events in 11 counties and zones

A powerful early season cold front spawned multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms. The first round occurred from late morning through mid afternoon, and focused mainly across northern Virginia into north-central Maryland producing scattered wind damage and a brief tornado.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$515,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
51

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS LWX wrote it up.

A powerful early season cold front spawned multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms. The first round occurred from late morning through mid afternoon, and focused mainly across northern Virginia into north-central Maryland producing scattered wind damage and a brief tornado. As the front itself crossed the region during the evening, a line of low-topped convection aided in the mixing down of an intense low-level jet, resulting in widespread 60 to 70 mph wind gusts near and east of the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Mountains.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Baltimore/Washington wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Mar 16, 9:47 AM EST, 39 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • -1) A strong cold front pushes across the forecast area today, bringing gusty winds and several rounds of severe thunderstorms capable of producing significant damaging winds and tornadoes. -2) A period upslope snow showers are expected along and west of the Allegheny Front tonight into Tuesday.
  • 3) Below normal temperatures are expected Tuesday and Wednesday before seasonable weather returns for the remainder of the week.
Area forecast discussion, Mar 16, 9:47 AM EST, 39 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1047 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

.WHAT HAS CHANGED...
Still tracking at least 3 rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms
today with damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes as the primary
concerns. Gale Warnings have been started earlier over the waters
with Wind Advisories extended over the mountains. Winter Weather
Advisories also continue for accumulating snow and a flash freeze
over the Alleghenies later this afternoon and evening.

&&

.KEY MESSAGES...

-1) A strong cold front pushes across the forecast area today,
bringing gusty winds and several rounds of severe thunderstorms
capable of producing significant damaging winds and tornadoes.

-2) A period upslope snow showers are expected along and west of the
Allegheny Front tonight into Tuesday.

- 3) Below normal temperatures are expected Tuesday and  Wednesday
before seasonable weather returns for the remainder  of the week.

&&

.DISCUSSION...

KEY MESSAGE 1..A strong cold front pushes across the forecast area
today, bringing gusty winds and several rounds of severe
thunderstorms capable of producing significant damaging winds and
tornadoes.

Multiple rounds of severe weather look to impact the area today. The
1st wave is now ejecting across central VA and the Shenandoah Valley
putting it into the Baltimore/DC metros around or just after noon. A
secondary batch of storms is ejecting out of I-77 corridor down
across the New River Valley/western NC mountains with another
area of storms down around eastern NC. These two areas of storms
will be the main show heading mid to late afternoon ahead of
the squall line feature which looks to develop just in time from
the evening commute.

Still looking at a high impact severe weather event across the
region. The Storm Prediction Center has maintained the Moderate Risk
(Level 4 out of 5) area which extends from east of the Blue Ridge
Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. The one exception to this is
northeastern Maryland which is in an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 out of
5) given the cooler bay waters could weaken approaching convection.

At the surface, the warm front is now north of the area along the
PA/MD border with the cold front draped back toward the Ohio
River. Still waiting for status to clear out north of I-66/US-50
with an area of overrunning showers along the western shore of
the bay ahead of the initial line of storms pushing north/east
from central VA. The stratus should begin to scour out as
convection rolls through.

The 12Z IAD sounding continues show 0-6 km wind fields (50-60 kts)
characterized by substantial cyclonic turning of the winds with
height, coupled with surface backed flow. In the net, this sounding
yielded a 0-1 km storm-relative helicity of 275 m2/s2 0-3km values
around 325 m2/s2. Simply put shear remains ample throughout the
profile with even higher numbers down toward KRNK.

With the degree of deep-layer shear in place, any of the pre-frontal
discrete cells will pose a risk of becoming a supercell.
These would be most conducive to producing a tornado, particularly
if the enlarged 0-1 km and 0-3 km hodographs hold as true as
forecast soundings depict. However, some of the high-resolution
guidance show a slew of cells firing up at once which would favor
more competition amongst them. This would diminish the tornado risk
as multicell convection dominates. At the same time, another squall
line is likely to form off the higher terrain this afternoon. While
the vertical shear vector does not align perpendicular to the
forming line, enough angle between the two should favor evolution
into a quasi-linear convective system (QLCS). These are prone to
producing spin up tornadoes along any kinks in the line. Where this
line bows out is where the 70 to 80 mph wind gust possibility
will be maximized. All of this slides eastward at a fairly hefty
speed, perhaps 40 to 50 mph. Severe convection is expected to
near the I-95 corridor during the evening rush hour before
exiting the Chesapeake Bay by the early/mid evening hours. Some
weakening is possible east of I-95 as the system begins to
ingest the colder Chesapeake Bay waters.

Outside of convection, conditions will be gusty today as a deep
surface low tracks across the Great Lakes. Strengthening southerly
flow may gust to 30 to 40 mph, with gusts closer to 50 mph in the
mountains. Additionally, this also could occur in northeastern
Maryland given this region stays in the warm sector longer and
perhaps free of convection. Wind Advisories are in place across
these areas which may see 50 mph gusts outside of any convection.
Eventually a powerful cold front will usher in a cold and blustery
air mass to the region. Gusts may be strong enough in the mountains
to support additional Wind Advisories.

Have multiple ways to receive hazardous weather information from the
National Weather Service. When it comes to Tornado and Severe
Thunderstorm Warnings, know where your safe place is and remain
there until the storm has moved through and alerts have ended.

KEY MESSAGE 2...A period of upslope snow showers are expected along
and west of the Allegheny Front this evening into Tuesday.

Behind the powerful frontal system, a period of upslope snow showers
are expected for those along and west of the Allegheny Front. From
this evening into Tuesday morning, 2 to 4 inches of snow will be
possible over western portions of Highland, Grant, Pendleton, and
Garrett counties. Locally higher totals are possible over . As
temperatures come crashing down through the evening and night, there
will be a flash freeze potential as lows plummet into the teens.
This comes with wind chills dropping into the lower single digits.

While some of this snowfall spreads downstream off the terrain, the
dry nature of the air mass to the east should limit any resulting
snow accumulations.

KEY MESSAGE 3...Below normal temperatures are expected Tuesday and
Wednesday before seasonable weather returns for the remainder of the
week.

It will feel like a cold and blustery winter day Tuesday in the wake
of the strong cold front with upper troughing overhead. High
temperatures will be 15 to 20 degrees below normal across much of
the area. Wind chill values will be in the 20s and lower 30s. The
latest forecasts for wind gusts would fall in the 30 to 40 mph
range, but can't rule out some stronger gusts closer to Wind
Advisory criteria in the mountains. It will also be mostly cloudy
across much of the area, with some occasional upslope snow showers
in the Alleghenies. Tuesday will be the coldest night of the stretch
as winds drop off and high pressure builds overhead. Forecast lows
range from the mid teens to mid 20s.

Wednesday will be slightly warmer and with much less wind, but
temperatures will still be below normal. A weak wave could bring
some upslope snow showers to the Alleghenies Wednesday or Wednesday
night.

Temperatures will continue to moderate for the latter part of the
week with near normal temperatures Thursday and above normal Friday.
A low pressure system will pass to the north toward the weekend, but
it's uncertain if it will bring any rain, as well as whether there
is a return to colder temperatures behind it or not.
&&

.AVIATION /14Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Within the cold air damming signature (high pressure off the New
England coast and a wavy front across central Virginia), a net
east to southeasterly flow is being observed at all terminals.
This onshore flow regime has lowered ceilings into the IFR to
even LIFR range (at times). This comes with light passing
showers that are streaming from the south. Strong flow above
early morning temperature inversions is yielding enhanced low-
level wind shear. The warm front is expected to lift northward
to the Mason-Dixon Line by just after daybreak. However, it may
take until the lunch hour to fully scour out the low ceilings.

As convection develops today, most terminals will still be
sitting at MVFR ceilings. While this could limit instability,
these lower cloud bases would make tornadogenesis a bit easier
if any spin ups do occur. Have maintained the continuity from
the previous shift in favoring convective restrictions in the
16Z-00Z window, but especially with the squall line during that
latter 3 to 4 hour block. Damaging wind gusts, frequent
lightning, and even a spin up tornado are possible with any
severe thunderstorms. Outside of these storms, strengthening
southerly flow will bring gusts to around 30 to 35 knots. Winds
shift to west-northwesterly behind the cold front by the
early/mid evening hours. VFR conditions are likely to return
later tonight, but with blustery northwesterly flow.

VFR conditions are likely Tuesday through Thursday. Northwest winds
gust around 25-30 knots for much of Tuesday morning to afternoon,
then winds diminish Tuesday night. Light southerly winds are
expected Wednesday and Thursday.

&&

.MARINE...
Small Craft Advisories remain in place early this morning owing
to the pronounced east to southeasterly flow. Eventually winds
turn over to southerly with channeling effects possible. Gale
Warnings go into effect across all waters this morning, while
continuing through early portions of the overnight period. While
mild air on top of cooler water is not ideal for vertical
mixing, the robust wind field certainly could mix down at times.
On the convective side of things, it will be an active weather
day over the region. Severe thunderstorms are possible during
the afternoon/evening hours, many of which will require Special
Marine Warnings. Given the degree of vertical shear in place,
waterspouts will be possible as well with any supercells or
waves in the approaching QLCS. To ensure safety, conditions will
be very hazardous today and spending time on the water is not
recommended.

Behind the cold front, winds abruptly shift to west-
northwesterly which will necessitate Small Craft Advisories
later tonight. Small Craft Advisories remain likely Tuesday in
gusty westerly flow. A high end scenario would be close to gale
conditions. Winds will diminish Tuesday night as high pressure
builds overhead. Light south winds are expected Wednesday and
Thursday.

&&

.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Increasing southerly winds ahead of a powerful cold front will cause
a quick rise in tide levels across the Chesapeake Bay and tidal
Potomac River. Sensitive locations are likely to reach or be close
to minor flood during this afternoon/evening's high tide.
Annapolis is forecast to be well within minor flood stage, and
could reach moderate flooding if southerly flow is stronger as
some of the model guidance suggests. Consequently, a Coastal
Flood Warning is in effect for this afternoon's high tide cycle.
Water levels quickly drop tonight as offshore winds take hold
behind the front.

&&

.LWX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
DC...None.
MD...Gale Warning until 1 AM EDT Tuesday for MDZ008.
     Wind Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to 10 PM EDT this
     evening for MDZ006-008-011-507-508.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 3 PM this afternoon to 9 PM EDT
     this evening for MDZ011.
     Coastal Flood Warning until 10 PM EDT this evening for MDZ014.
     Coastal Flood Advisory from 6 PM this evening to midnight EDT
     tonight for MDZ508.
     Wind Advisory until 11 AM EDT Tuesday for MDZ509.
     Winter Weather Advisory from 7 PM this evening to 11 AM EDT
     Tuesday for MDZ509.
VA...Winter Weather Advisory from 7 PM this evening to 11 AM EDT
     Tuesday for VAZ503.
     Wind Advisory until 2 PM EDT Tuesday for VAZ503.
     Wind Advisory until 2 AM EDT Tuesday for VAZ507-508.
WV...Winter Weather Advisory from 7 PM this evening to 11 AM EDT
     Tuesday for WVZ501-505.
     Wind Advisory until 2 PM EDT Tuesday for WVZ501-505.
MARINE...Gale Warning until 1 AM EDT Tuesday for ANZ530>543.
     Wind Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to 10 PM EDT this
     evening for ANZ530.

&&

DISCUSSION...BRO/EST
AVIATION...EST
MARINE...ADS/BRO/EST
Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 16, 10:08 AM EST, 18 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1108 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

ANZ530>543-DCZ001-MDZ008-011-013-014-016>018-504-506-508-
VAZ053>057-527-171515-
Chesapeake Bay north of Pooles Island MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Pooles Island to Sandy Point MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Sandy Point to North Beach MD-
Chesapeake Bay from North Beach to Drum Point MD-
Chesapeake Bay from Drum Point MD to Smith Point VA-
Tidal Potomac from Key Bridge to Indian Head MD-
Tidal Potomac from Indian Head to Cobb Island MD-
Tidal Potomac from Cobb Island MD to Smith Point VA-
Patapsco River including Baltimore Harbor-
Chester River to Queenstown MD-Eastern Bay-
Choptank River to Cambridge MD and the Little Choptank River-
Patuxent River to Broomes Island MD-
Tangier Sound and the inland waters surrounding Bloodsworth
Island-District of Columbia-Cecil-Southern Baltimore-
Prince Georges-Anne Arundel-Charles-St. Marys-Calvert-
Central and Southeast Montgomery-Central and Southeast Howard-
Southeast Harford-Fairfax-Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria-
Stafford-Spotsylvania-King George-
Central and Southeast Prince William/Manassas/Manassas Park-
1108 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Maryland portion of the
Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and I-95 corridor through
central Maryland, northern Virginia, and District of Columbia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 7pm.

Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and
tornadoes are likely this afternoon and evening. There is the
potential for significant damage from wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph
as well as an isolated stronger tornado.

Wind Advisories have been issued across northeastern Maryland from
2 PM to 10 PM today. Elsewhere, strong wind gusts not associated
with thunderstorms could result in isolated instances of wind
damage this afternoon.

A Gale Warning is in effect for all waters through 1 AM Tuesday.

A Coastal Flood Warning remains is in effect for Anne Arundel
County from noon today through 10pm.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

Another round of strong winds is possible Tuesday behind a strong
cold front.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is expected given the threat of severe
thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

MDZ003>006-503-505-507-VAZ025>031-036>040-050-051-501-502-505>508-
526-WVZ050>053-055-171515-
Washington-Frederick MD-Carroll-Northern Baltimore-
Northwest Montgomery-Northwest Howard-Northwest Harford-Augusta-
Rockingham-Shenandoah-Frederick VA-Page-Warren-Clarke-Nelson-
Albemarle-Greene-Madison-Rappahannock-Orange-Culpeper-
Northern Fauquier-Southern Fauquier-Western Loudoun-
Eastern Loudoun-Northern Virginia Blue Ridge-
Central Virginia Blue Ridge-Northwest Prince William-Hampshire-
Morgan-Berkeley-Jefferson-Hardy-
1108 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of eastern West
Virginia, northern and central Virginia, and central and western
Maryland.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

A Tornado Watch is in effect until 7pm for areas along and east of
Blue Ridge as well as Interstate 81 corridor.

Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and
tornadoes are likely on this afternoon and evening. There is the
potential for significant damage from wind gusts of 70 to 80 mph
as well as an isolated stronger tornado. These threats are highest
for areas along and east of Interstate 81.

A Wind Advisory is in effect for the Northern and Central Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains through 2 AM Tuesday. Strong wind gusts not
associated with thunderstorms could result in isolated instances
of wind damage.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

Another round of strong winds is possible Tuesday behind a strong
cold front.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is expected given the threat of severe
thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

MDZ501-502-509-510-VAZ503-504-WVZ501>506-171515-
Extreme Western Allegany-Central and Eastern Allegany-
Western Garrett-Eastern Garrett-Western Highland-Eastern Highland-
Western Grant-Eastern Grant-Western Mineral-Eastern Mineral-
Western Pendleton-Eastern Pendleton-
1108 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Allegheny Front
counties in western Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and Highland
County Virginia.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds are
possible this afternoon. There is the potential for significant
damage from wind gusts to 70 mph. A couple of tornadoes are also
possible.

A Wind Advisory is in effect for western Garrett county in
Maryland, western Grant and western Pendleton Counties in West
Virginia, and for western Highland County in Virginia through
tonight. Strong wind gusts not associated with thunderstorms could
result in isolated instances of wind damage.

Winter Weather Advisories have been issued across western portions
of Garrett, Grant, Highland, and Pendleton counties for this
evening and into the night.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

A Wind Advisory is in effect for western Grant and western
Pendleton Counties in West Virginia and for western Highland
County in Virginia through 2pm Tuesday. A Wind Advisory is in
effect for western Garrett County until 11am Tuesday.

Winter Weather Advisories continue until 11 AM Tuesday across
portions of the Allegheny Front.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is expected given the threat of severe
thunderstorms this afternoon.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Mar 16, 9:24 AM EST, 1 hour 2 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
1024 AM EDT Mon Mar 16 2026

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1009 AM     Tstm Wnd Dmg     1 N McMullen            38.36N  78.46W
03/16/2026                   Greene             VA   911 Call Center

            A tree was down along South River Road and Entry Run
            Road.

&&

Event Number LWX2605422

BJL

The radar

The Sterling radar (KLWX), 27 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 15:23 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

50 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 10:26 AM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.87 mi SE of Dickerson
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.210, -77.420

Wires blew down on Big Woods Road near Dickerson.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 10:32 AM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.28 mi ESE of Poolesville
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.140, -77.400

A large tree was uprooted onto a fence on Hersperger Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Frederick

When
March 16, 10:35 AM EST
Where
Frederick County, 1.27 mi ENE of Garfield
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
39.610, -77.510

Several power lines were down at the intersection of John Draper Road and Ridenour Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 10:36 AM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.87 mi SW of Boyds
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.170, -77.330

A tree blew down onto a power line on White Ground Road just west of Taylor Fields.

Thunderstorm Wind, Frederick

When
March 16, 10:37 AM EST
Where
Frederick County, 1.6 mi W of Frederick Jct
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
39.380, -77.430

Siding was torn off a house in the 5200 block of Duke Court.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 10:42 AM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.07 mi E of Clarksburg
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.230, -77.260

Wires blew down in the 22610 block of Wims Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 10:48 AM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.54 mi W of Cedar Grove
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.250, -77.240

Wires blew down in the 11400 block of Hawkes Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 10:50 AM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 0.69 mi N of Cedar Grove
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.260, -77.230

Wires blew down at the intersection of Ridge Road and Kakae Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 10:53 AM EST
Where
Carroll County, 0.69 mi S of Cover
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.420, -77.120

A tree blew down in the 5600 block of West Falls Road.

Tornado, Carroll

When
March 16, 11:02 AM EST to 11:05 AM EST
Where
Carroll County, 1.85 mi WSW of New Windsor to 0.93 mi WNW of New Windsor
Rating
EF0
Path length
1.68 mi
Path width
150 yd
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates
39.536, -77.130

A line embedded supercell developed and tracked over north-central Maryland during the late morning into early afternoon hours on Monday, March 16, 2026. This storm was part of a much larger system that brought multiple rounds of severe weather to much of the eastern United States. Rotation was evident within the storm around 2000 to 3000 feet above ground on the KLWX WSR-88D radar, prompting a Tornado Warning as the storm moved from Frederick into Carroll County. The FAA TDWR TBWI showed this rotation quickly strengthen and lower to below 2000 feet just to the southeast of the mid-level mesocyclone being sampled by the KLWX WSR-88D. The tightened lower-level rotation persisted on TBWI for 1 to 2 minutes after the mid-level rotation on KLWX had notably weakened. It was beneath the tightening low-level rotation at around 12:02 PM EDT that the first evidence of tornadic damage was found. Several trees in a weakened state just southeast of the intersection of Hawks Hill Road and Beth Way snapped near the trunk, and fell toward the east, west, and north. The parent storm motion was northeast. The trees that fell were only around 100 feet apart at most, with an undisturbed landscape around it indicating an initially very narrow vortex perhaps no larger than about 25 to 50 yards in width. The tornado then crossed through open fields, lifting the south end of a long irrigation system and rolling it about 100 feet toward the north just east of Winters Church Road. After this, the circulation continued northeastward crossing several more fields and groves of trees, as well as Little Pipe Creek. The next visible and accessible damage was noted as the tornado approached and crossed MD-75 Green Valley Road near the intersection with MD-84 Union Bridge Road. Here, a couple dozen trees fell in opposing directions (southeast, northeast, east, northwest, and north). One large tree toppled onto power lines taking down a power pole and briefly trapping a motorist between the downed wires, pole, and downed trees. Several large pine trees at the intersection had their tops sheared off, falling toward the north, northeast, and east. Two trees on a hill just east of Mill Dale Lane fell toward the north-northwest, likely just outside the circulation but in its inflow as it passed across MD-84 Union Bridge Road. Meanwhile, an outbuilding just to the southwest of MD-75 Green Valley Road suffered a near total roof collapse, with the west-northwest facing walls partially collapsed inward. Similar to the trees off Mill Dale Lane, this outbuilding may have been just outside the tornadic circulation, with the damage a result of inflow winds into the vortex as it passed. It is at this point where the tornado reached its largest and strongest, with an estimated path width of 150 yards and peak winds of 80 mph. Despite the extent of the damage, only about one-third of the trees in its path at this point sustained visible damage, with no other visible damage to other outbuildings or the farmhouse at the nearby farm. A video taken from the Carroll County Emergency Operations Center showed a swiftly rotating lowering, likely the tornado in progress as it approached and crossed the intersection of MD-75 Green Valley Road and MD-84 Union Bridge Road, just northwest of their facility. Although trees in the foreground obstructed the view and could not confirm ground contact, the video was directly coincident with radar and the observed (convergent) damage. A few trees had their tops snapped off just northeast of MD-84 Union Bridge Road, but no visible damage was noted beyond this point. It is possible, based on the rotation signature on TBWI, that the tornado could have persisted for up to another mile over open fields, but the path length in this survey can only confidently conclude a path up to this point, approximately 1.68 miles in length. The National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office thanks Carroll County Office of Emergency Management for their assistance. Additionally, thanks to the trained spotters, media, and public that sent in reports of damage.

Thunderstorm Wind, Howard

When
March 16, 11:04 AM EST
Where
Howard County, 0.69 mi N of Lisbon
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.340, -77.070

Multiple small trees blew down in the median of I-70 near the Woodbine Road exit (exit 73).

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 11:05 AM EST
Where
Carroll County, 1.27 mi WNW of Day
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
39.390, -77.070

There were photos of multiple large trees down on Gillis Falls Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 11:05 AM EST
Where
Carroll County, 1.38 mi N of Westminster Arpt
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.620, -77.000

A tree blew down in the 30 block of Pleasant Valley Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 11:07 AM EST
Where
Carroll County, 0.69 mi N of Avondale
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Social Media
Coordinates
39.580, -77.030

A six to eight foot tall wooden fence blew down off of Royer Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 11:07 AM EST
Where
Carroll County, 0.87 mi SE of Eldersburg
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.390, -76.940

A tree blew down on Slacks Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 11:07 AM EST
Where
Carroll County, 0.69 mi N of Sams Creek
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.510, -77.100

Trees blew down on Marston Road between Marston Road S and Wilt Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 11:15 AM EST
Where
Carroll County, 0.87 mi SE of Berrett
Measured
61 kt (70 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
39.410, -77.010

Siding was blown throughout a field along with trees down on Route 97 near Hashawa Environment Center.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charles

When
March 16, 1:32 PM EST
Where
Charles County, 2.79 mi ENE of Pisgah
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
38.540, -77.080

The Maryland State Highway Administration reported multiple trees down around Ripley.

Thunderstorm Wind, Baltimore

When
March 16, 1:41 PM EST
Where
Baltimore County, 0.53 mi W of Hunt Vly
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$3,000
Reported by
Department of Highways
Coordinates
39.500, -76.660

A few trees blew down near Worthington Manor and Western Run.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince George'S

When
March 16, 1:45 PM EST
Where
Prince George'S County, 1.75 mi NW of Ritchie
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.890, -76.870

A tree blew down onto a vehicle at the 6400 block of Kilmer Street.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 7:18 PM EST
Where
Carroll County, 1.48 mi NNW of Taneytown
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.690, -77.190

Power lines blew down on Harney Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Carroll

When
March 16, 7:29 PM EST
Where
Carroll County, 0.69 mi N of Pleasant Vly
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.640, -77.050

A tree blew down in the 1600 block of Stone Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 7:43 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.38 mi S of Potomac
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.000, -77.220

A tree blew down on Brent Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 7:45 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 2.25 mi ESE of Glen
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
39.040, -77.180

A tree blew down onto a house on Rouen Lane.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 7:46 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 1.38 mi S of Rockville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.060, -77.150

A tree blew down in the 900 block of Farm Haven Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Frederick

When
March 16, 7:47 PM EST
Where
Frederick County, 1.74 mi SW of Lantz
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by
AWOS
Coordinates
39.650, -77.470

A wind gust of 50 knots (58 MPH) was measured by the AWOS at Camp David (KRSP).

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 7:54 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, 2.25 mi ESE of Glen
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.040, -77.180

A tree blew down onto a house on Powder Horn Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Montgomery

When
March 16, 8:04 PM EST
Where
Montgomery County, Comus
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.250, -77.350

A tree blew down on MD-109 Old Hundred Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince George'S

When
March 16, 8:10 PM EST
Where
Prince George'S County, 1.75 mi NW of Ritchie
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$6,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.890, -76.870

There were six calls for trees down across Prince Georges County from this round of storms.

Thunderstorm Wind, Baltimore

When
March 16, 8:13 PM EST
Where
Baltimore County, 2.12 mi SE of Catonsville Manor
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
39.280, -76.690

A large tree uprooted near South Athol Avenue and Sorrento Avenue.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charles

When
March 16, 8:18 PM EST
Where
Charles County, 1.29 mi WNW of Tompkinsville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.330, -76.920

A tree blew down on Banks Odee Road near MD-257.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charles

When
March 16, 8:21 PM EST
Where
Charles County, 0.54 mi W of Rock Pt
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.280, -76.860

Power lines blew down at the intersection of MD-254 and MD-257.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charles

When
March 16, 8:21 PM EST
Where
Charles County, 0.54 mi W of Cobb Is
Measured
59 kt (68 mph) estimated gust
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.270, -76.860

Wind gusts were estimated at 65 to 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Prince George'S

When
March 16, 8:26 PM EST
Where
Prince George'S County, 0.88 mi SE of Forestville
Measured
51 kt (59 mph) measured gust
Reported by
AWOS
Coordinates
38.820, -76.870

A wind gust of 51 knots (59 MPH) was measured by the AWOS at Andrews Air Force Base (KADW).

Thunderstorm Wind, Baltimore

When
March 16, 8:27 PM EST
Where
Baltimore County, 1.27 mi ESE of Stoneleigh
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.360, -76.600

Trees blew down near the intersection of East Belvedere Avenue and The Almeda.

Thunderstorm Wind, St. Mary'S

When
March 16, 8:28 PM EST
Where
St. Mary'S County, 0.54 mi W of Leonardtown
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
38.300, -76.640

Saint Mary's 911 Call Center reported about a dozen or so calls for trees and wires down from Leonardtown to Hollywood.

Thunderstorm Wind, Charles

When
March 16, 8:28 PM EST
Where
Charles County, 1.77 mi WSW of Tompkinsville
Measured
50 kt (58 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
38.310, -76.930

A wind gust of 50 knots (58 MPH) was measured by the Cuckold Creek WeatherFlow sensor (XCCK).

Thunderstorm Wind, Baltimore

When
March 16, 8:30 PM EST
Where
Baltimore County, 0.69 mi S of Halethorpe
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.240, -76.700

A tree blew down across Oakland Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anne Arundel

When
March 16, 8:37 PM EST
Where
Anne Arundel County, 1.75 mi NW of Crownsville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$6,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
39.050, -76.620

There were half a dozen trees blown down between Gambrills and Crownsville.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anne Arundel

When
March 16, 8:39 PM EST
Where
Anne Arundel County, 0.88 mi SW of Owensville
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.840, -76.610

Trees blew down near Lothian.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anne Arundel

When
March 16, 8:40 PM EST
Where
Anne Arundel County, 0.69 mi S of Garland
Measured
54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Mesonet
Coordinates
39.160, -76.650

A wind gust of 54 knots (62 MPH) was measured by a mesonet at the I-97/MD-100 interchange.

Thunderstorm Wind, Anne Arundel

When
March 16, 8:42 PM EST
Where
Anne Arundel County, Tracys Lndg
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.780, -76.600

Medium size tree branches blew down near Tracy's Landing.

Thunderstorm Wind, Baltimore

When
March 16, 8:42 PM EST
Where
Baltimore County, 2.07 mi N of Edgemere
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$2,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
39.260, -76.450

A large tree blew down in Edgemere.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calvert

When
March 16, 8:44 PM EST
Where
Calvert County, St Leonard
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.470, -76.500

A tree blew down near the 1000 block of Calvert Beach Road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calvert

When
March 16, 8:44 PM EST
Where
Calvert County, 1.28 mi ENE of Barstow
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.540, -76.600

A tree blew down in the 100 block of Helena Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calvert

When
March 16, 8:44 PM EST
Where
Calvert County, 1.48 mi SSE of Stoakley
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.550, -76.590

A tree blew down near the intersection of Fox Run Boulevard and Chesapeake Boulevard.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calvert

When
March 16, 8:44 PM EST
Where
Calvert County, 0.54 mi E of Huntingtown
Measured
52 kt (60 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$1,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.620, -76.610

A large tree blew down near the 4100 block of MD-4.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calvert

When
March 16, 8:44 PM EST
Where
Calvert County, 1.38 mi S of Stoakley
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
Trained Spotter
Coordinates
38.550, -76.600

Trees blew down on houses in southern Calvert County.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calvert

When
March 16, 8:44 PM EST
Where
Calvert County, 2.14 mi NNW of Prince Frederick
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$10,000
Reported by
Public
Coordinates
38.560, -76.560

Four tall trees snapped. Roof flashing was damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calvert

When
March 16, 8:44 PM EST
Where
Calvert County, 0.69 mi S of Bertha
Measured
56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Property damage
$5,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
38.370, -76.430

Numerous trees blew down around Cove Point.

Thunderstorm Wind, Harford

When
March 16, 8:50 PM EST
Where
Harford County, 0.87 mi SW of Abingdon
Measured
53 kt (61 mph) measured gust
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
39.460, -76.280

A wind gust of 53 knots (61 MPH) was measured by a home weather station of a media employee.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind
Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado
A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Maryland in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Maryland, 2026Warnings in Maryland, March 2026

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1314499, 1314500, 1314501, 1314502, 1314503, 1314504, 1314505, 1314506, 1314507, 1314493, 1314509, 1314510, 1314511, 1314512, 1314514, 1314518, 1314513, 1314515, 1314516, 1314517, 1314519, 1314520, 1314521, 1314522, 1314523, 1314544, 1314524, 1314525, 1314526, 1314527, 1314528, 1314529, 1314545, 1314546, 1314530, 1314531, 1314547, 1314532, 1314533, 1314534, and more.