Dover, DE – National Weather Service surveys confirmed straight-line wind damage up to 100 mph across parts of Delaware and Maryland, causing structural impacts and at least one reported injury.
According to the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, multiple damage paths from March 16 storms were determined to be caused by straight-line winds rather than tornadoes.
The strongest damage occurred near Camden in Kent County, Delaware, where winds were estimated between 90 and 100 mph. The damage path stretched approximately 0.7 miles with a width of 400 yards. One injury was reported in this area.
In Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, near Millington Road, winds reached 80 to 90 mph, producing a damage path of about 1.9 miles and up to 1 mile wide.
Additional damage was confirmed near Ridgely in Caroline County, Maryland, where winds were also estimated between 80 and 90 mph, though impacts were more localized with a path length of 0.22 miles.
All damage occurred within a short window between approximately 10:24 p.m. and 10:40 p.m. EDT.
The National Weather Service emphasized that these impacts were caused by intense straight-line winds, which can produce damage similar to weak tornadoes.
While no tornadoes were confirmed in these specific locations, the strength of the winds highlights the risk of severe thunderstorms across the region.
Even brief nighttime storms can significantly impact travel and residential areas, particularly for late-night commuters and emergency response.
