OTD In 2022: EF0 Tornado Touches Down In Olney

On May 27th, 2022, a long line of severe storms tracked through central MD during the late morning, prompting numerous severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings. The timing of the tornado warnings resulted in county schools implementing shelter in place protocols, which moved staff and students into the designated shelter areas. The line of storms produced widespread reports of wind damage, as well as one confirmed tornado in Montgomery County. 

Estimated path of the tornado with damage points plotted

The tornado was a very brief EF0, but did result in a path of tree damage while it was on the ground. The tornado touched down near the intersection of Toddsbury lane and Heritage Hills Drive, where large tree branches were snapped off several trees, falling onto and damaging two cars. The tornado then tracked up Toddsbury Drive, resulting in several large branches being snapped, and a few trees being uprooted. 

This tornado was on the ground for just 0.17 miles, and had a width of about 50-75 yards. With maximum winds of 80mph, this tornado was rated as EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.