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Clean up underway on Eastern Shore after EF-2 tornado

Posted at 10:43 PM, Jul 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-24 23:14:23-04

Clean up continues over the Bay Bridge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. A strong, EF-2 tornado made its way across Kent Island, Bay City and other parts of Queen Anne's County Monday morning leaving a wake of destruction in its path.

People said they feel lucky to be alive after the tornado that brought with it winds so strong, tore homes, trees and power lines a part.

Thousands of residents are still without power. Luckily no one was seriously hurt but now, the rebuilding starts.

"Total devastation," said Mark French, a 30-year resident of the area.

RELATED: Tornado leaves behind serious damage on Eastern Shore

French has always wanted to live near the water, but never wanted to see his home destroyed.

"Once I got back to the back of the house the main thing to see what we going on just to get my wife out of the house and I just got out of here because we didn't know if more of the house was going to collapse," he said.

"We were in bed sleeping, my wife tried to wake me to see the light show and then all the sudden it was like a freight train and then the whole back of the house collapsed," French said.

Those who've lived in the area for years were shocked at the storm's intensity.

"This was the most intense storm I've ever been through we were very fortunate our house survived," said Todd Wieslander.

He was lucky, but the fear of losing everything during the storm may not be soon forgotten.

"It all happened really fast you know it was tough to even digest it as it's happening you know and then once it's over we came outside and realized how bad it really was," he said.

See also: Tornado destroys homes, flips cars in Stevensville

The tornado formed as a waterspout over the bay. It hit Queen Anne's County including Kent  Island, Bay City and Stevensville. The National Weather Service says it clocked winds up to 125 miles per hour.

Crews expect to continue to clear debris, repair wells, gas lines, and power sources for the next several days. 

Residents have their own clean up to deal with.

"I guess we'll get through it but I guess it will be a couple months before you know how everything turns out it's just a little overwhelming," said French.

Delmarva Power is working with other companies to repair lines and other utility damage.  Click here for the latest outage information.

Queen Anne's County Department of Emergency Services Tweeted it would have water and ice available for those affected by the storm. Click here for the latest from Queen Anne's County Department of Emergency Services updates.