Summary of the Salisbury Tornado

Tornado confirmed near Salisbury in Wicomico County, Maryland by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Wakefield, Virginia. 

Location: Salisbury in Wicomico County MD

Date: August 7, 2017

Estimated Time: 140 PM EDT

Maximum EF- Scale Rating:

EF-1 Estimated Maximum

Wind Speed: 105 mph Maximum

Path Width: 100 - 150 yards

Path Length: 1.5 mile

Fatalities: 0 *

Injuries: 0 *

The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event(s) and publication in NWS Storm Data.

Synopsis:

The National Weather Service in Wakefield VA has confirmed a tornado occurred near Salisbury, Maryland on August 7, 2017. The EF-1 tornado tracked quickly across the south side of Salisbury around 1:40 pm. The tornado initially touched down near Salisbury University along Highway 13 and Dogwood Dr, damaging several businesses. The tornado also struck a strip mall along highway 13, tossing vehicles around in the parking lot and causing minor damage to nearby buildings.

A concrete building in the area collapsed due to the doors on the building being open - this allowed wind to enter the structure causing it to collapse. It was in this area near the University where the tornado was most intense, at the time of initial touchdown. The tornado tracked northeast across East Salisbury University crossing Bateman St and E. College Dr before damaging a home on Rogers St.

The tornado lifted off the ground before it could cross Highway 12 (Snow Hill Rd) near the Elks Club Golf Course. The total path length was one and a half mile with a path width of 100 to 150 yards.

The Forecast:

A level 2 risk of severe weather was issued before the tornado threat arrived. The atmosphere was conducive to spin-up tornado development with a high shear (Change of wind direction and speed with height) / low-CAPE (Convective Available Potential Energy) environment. This type of set-up is dangerous for the public because it can produce tornadoes with little warning.

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