May 21, 2025

Severe Weather Hits South Carolina and Maryland

Mays Roofing & Contracting

Mays Contracting is more than just a roofing company; it’s a family legacy built on trust and quality. Founded in 1979, we’ve been serving the community for over four decades. Our story began with a simple vision: to provide exceptional roofing services for both residential and commercial properties. This vision has guided us ever since, as we’ve grown from a small, family-run operation to a trusted name in the industry.

News Summary

This week, South Carolina was placed on alert for strong thunderstorms expected to bring gusty winds and hail, while Maryland faced devastating storms resulting in tornado warnings and significant damage. Residents in affected areas are urged to take precautionary measures as severe weather continues to threaten safety and infrastructure.

Severe Weather Hits South Carolina and Maryland

This Tuesday, **_South Carolina_** has been put on alert by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington, North Carolina. Strong thunderstorms are expected until about 5:15 p.m. and precautionary measures are being urged for residents in several counties. The storm will be making its way across the Inland Georgetown and Conway areas, particularly affecting Florence, Marion, and Williamsburg counties.

According to the latest reports, folks can expect wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph alongside marble-sized hail (that’s around 0.5 inches!) in the alert zones. At approximately 4:25 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm situated just 18 miles west of Conway, moving eastward at around 20 mph. This isn’t just some light rain; the NWS is warning that gusty winds might cause tree limbs to break and could send unsecured objects flying around. If you’re in areas like Hemingway, Bucksville, Dongola, Outland, Yauhannah, or Bucksport, keep an eye out!

Residents are advised to stay indoors if they find themselves outside. Seriously, safety first! Thunderstorms are no joke. They are known to bring along lightning, which strikes about 25 million times a year in the United States alone, with around 20 fatalities annually. The risk of lightning rises right as a thunderstorm approaches, peaks while the storm is overhead, and then decreases once the storm passes.

Storm Devastation in Maryland

Meanwhile, Mother Nature didn’t hold back in **_Maryland_** last Friday, as severe storms left a significant mark. Tornado warnings surfaced alongside other severe weather alerts in Delaware and the coastal regions of Maryland. Some counties, particularly Carroll and Baltimore, experienced hail the size of golf balls – that’s over 2 inches! As if that wasn’t enough, winds reached a staggering close to 70 mph later in the day, wreaking havoc in communities like Dundalk.

The aftermath of the storm was nothing short of appalling. Residents witnessed buildings lose their roofs, trees uprooted, and debris scattered everywhere. An EF-1 tornado was confirmed over **_Baltimore_** in the Federal Hill area before it sadly dissipated over Dundalk, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Many eyewitnesses took to social media to share shocking videos of the high winds and damage, giving people a glimpse of the chaos.

In addition to wind damage, flooding made a splash in the Merritt Athletic Club in Canton due to a compromised roof. Doppler radar instruments even registered wind gusts of up to 68 mph near Columbia, prompting subsequent severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the NWS have been busy putting together a comprehensive summary of wind, hail, and tornado reports.

To add to the woes, the NWS plans to survey the areas where damage was reported to confirm the tornado’s touch down and strength. The community is bracing itself as multiple downed trees and power lines litter the roads throughout Maryland, causing further challenges for everyday life and structural damage to homes and local businesses.

In light of all these storms, it’s a good reminder for everyone to stay alert when weather conditions turn severe. Make sure you have your emergency kits ready and stay tuned for any weather updates. Stay safe out there!