Thunderstorm Wind — Charles, Maryland

2000-06-15 · near La Plata, Charles, Maryland

Event narrative

A boater drowned on the Potomac River after his craft was overturned by high winds and waves.

Wider weather episode

A line of thunderstorms which produced winds in excess of 55 MPH, large hail, heavy rain, and frequent lighting moved across the area during the afternoon and evening of the 15th. In Washington County, several trees were downed on the north end of Hagerstown. Rainfall totals included 2.62 inches in Sharpsburg and 2.05 inches in Williamsport. In Frederick County, high winds downed several trees and power lines and destroyed several structures. A wind gust of 60 MPH destroyed a barn near Brunswick and a wind gust of 81 MPH was recorded south of Frederick which blew out windows on a home. Trees and power lines were downed in Ijamsville, Buckeystown, Lime Kiln, Burkittsville, Mt. Airy, Adamstown, Point of Rocks, Green Valley, Monrovia, Carroll Manor, and south Frederick. Trees blocked Routes 15, 464, 340, 180, and 85. An 85 square foot bank barn and a 125 year old summer kitchen were flattened near Jefferson. A trailer was overturned near Urbana Park. A home was damaged by a felled tree near New Market and a barn roof was removed near Monrovia. Two homes were damaged by lightning strikes in Thurmont. Rainfall amounts included 2.25 inches in Frederick and 1.81 inches in Brunswick. In Montgomery County, quarter sized hail fell in Germantown and dime sized hail fell in Silver Spring. In Prince George's County, rainfall totals included 1.93 inches in Landover, 1.90 inches on Lottsford Road, and 1.59 inches on Harry Truman Drive. South of Charles County on the Potomac River, high winds and waves capsized a pleasure boat with 5 people aboard. Four people were rescued by other boaters after swimming to shore. The 5th boater, a 28 year old man, was never found and presumed dead. In Anne Arundel County, a wind gust of 59 MPH downed power lines in Glen Burnie. Nearly 15,000 customers across the county lost power. In St. Mary's County, 1.74 inches of rain fell in Tall Timbers.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (38.4167, -76.9833)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5154110. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.