Tornado Hits Edgewater 9/1/21
Just before 2 pm on September 1, 2021 emergency alert tones could be heard from just about every cell phone in the 21037 area, warning of the imminent threat of a tornado in the area. Citizens had only minutes, even seconds to take cover. This tragedy struck just two days shy of one year since the last tornado hit our town. On September 3, 2020, an EF-1 tornado took a 6.1 mile path that was 100 yards wide. The 2021 tornado was nearly doubled in size at a 11.25 mile long path and 200 yards wide.
Roofs were blown off homes, schools damaged, trees fell on other homes and vehicles and debris was strewn for miles. Once the tornado passed, neighbors immediately started bringing out chainsaws, wheelbarrows, tarps and other equipment to help one another. Everyone started searching homes and vehicles for anyone trapped, injured or even killed. By some miracle, no injuries or deaths were reported.
The response times of our fire department crews, Anne Arundel County Police, county roads, tree removal companies and power companies was remarkable. Emergency apparatus came to assist from surrounding departments to include Queen Anne’s and Prince George’s counties as well as countless other stations in Anne Arundel County.
Edgewater was not the only town to be hit by the tornado, it extended up to Annapolis as well, destroying a very busy part of Annapolis on West St. Again, no injuries or deaths were reported. But the damage to many businesses in the area was devastating.
On behalf of the officers and members of the Woodland Beach Volunteer Fire Department, we would like to express our deepest thanks to all of the individuals and businesses that pulled together to help our community.
Photo Credit: Woodland Beach VFD Public Information Officer
