Two storms in Southern Maryland left a record that matters for water damage: an F4 tornado, first rated F5, that passed through La Plata on April 28, 2002, and Tropical Storm Isaias on August 4, 2020, which brought heavy rain, closed roads in La Plata and spawned tornadoes in nearby counties.
Key takeaways
- On April 28, 2002, an F4 tornado, first rated F5, crossed Southern Maryland on a 64-mile path that passed through La Plata.
- Tropical Storm Isaias on August 4, 2020 closed roads in La Plata and brought heavy rain to parts of Southern Maryland.
- Isaias spawned tornadoes in St. Mary's and Calvert counties, not in Brandywine or Waldorf.
- A storm that damages a roof lets rain in long after the wind has passed.
- Storm losses should be dried and documented, not only patched.
What did the 2002 La Plata tornado do?
The tornado was rated F4, first rated F5, and crossed 64 miles of Southern Maryland.
The National Weather Service assessment describes the path and the damage. Sources differ on the death toll, so no figure is given here. The lesson for a homeowner is structural: roofs and walls damaged in a storm of that strength let water in for years if they are not repaired.
What happened during Tropical Storm Isaias?
Isaias brought heavy rain and roads closed in La Plata on August 4, 2020.
Isaias brought up to about nine inches of rain in parts of St. Mary's County, closed roads in La Plata, and spawned tornadoes in St. Mary's and Calvert counties. The tornadoes were near Ridge, Piney Point, Leonardtown, Dares Beach and Plum Point, and no tornado report placed one in Brandywine or Waldorf.
What should a storm-damaged house do now?
Stop the water from getting in, then dry and document everything.
Cover the damaged roof or wall if you can do so safely, photograph the damage and keep the receipts. Storm water is a flood for the structure, so the cleanup treats porous materials it soaked as material to be removed.
Frequently asked questions
Was my house damaged by the 2002 tornado?
Only if it was in the path, and most houses were not. A damaged roof or wall from any storm should be inspected and recorded.
Does a storm loss go on a homeowners policy?
Wind damage to a roof and the water that follows are separate questions, and flood is generally excluded. Ask your insurer how each part is handled.
What do I do first after a storm?
Keep people out of the wet rooms, shut off power to them only if you can do it safely, and call (833) 490-5225.
Sources
This guide is general information for Prince George's County homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Prices are estimates. See our disclaimer.