EF-1 Tornado, Damaging Winds confirmed in Queen Anne’s and caroline Counties

​The National Weather Service has confirmed an EF-1 tornado and widespread straight line wind damage across parts of the Mid-Shore during a line of strong storms that moved through the region Monday night (March 16).

The tornado touched down just south of Ridgely in Caroline County around 10:26 p.m. and remained on the ground for about three minutes. Officials say the tornado produced winds between 90 and 100 miles per hour and traveled nearly one mile.

The storm caused significant damage to homes, outbuildings, and trees. A barn was destroyed, with debris thrown more than a quarter mile, and a horse trailer was flipped multiple times. Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped along the storm’s path. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

In addition to the tornado, straight-line winds caused further damage in both Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties.

Near Saathoff Road in Caroline County, wind gusts estimated between 80 and 90 miles per hour tore the roof off a farm building and caused scattered tree damage.

In Queen Anne’s County, a broader area of straight line wind damage was confirmed near Sudlersville and along Millington Road. Officials say multiple trees were uprooted, power poles were snapped, and several farm buildings suffered roof damage. In some cases, debris was carried up to half a mile from where it originated.

The National Weather Service says overall damage across the region was consistent with straight-line winds between 60 and 70 miles per hour, with stronger pockets reaching up to 90 miles per hour.