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PICS: Shocking aftermath of WATERSPOUT that tore through Maryland island destroying homes

Photos show many Smith Island houses completely destroyed by the waterspout, with debris cluttered over lawns

SOMERSET COUNTY: A waterspout came ashore as a tornado, damaging several homes along Rhodes Point on Smith Island. As per reports, buildings were leveled when the waterspout morphed into a terrifying tornado. It occurred at the interiors of Smith Island around 9 pm on August 4, 2022.

Climate experts suggest that the waterspout may have become a tornado and might have resulted in some major damage. A weather statement had been issued by the National Weather Service warning of 45-mile-per-hour winds and possible hail. No death or injuries have been reported so far. Recently, the country has been going through similar instances of floods, and tornadoes.

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Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has released a statement on Twitter: "Somerset County is reporting that a waterspout landed onshore, causing significant damage on Smith Island. We stand ready to assist the local response." He further added, "Our emergency management team is tracking the damage from tonight’s storms & coordinating with local jurisdictions. Currently more than 50,000 power outages. Please stay off the roads in affected areas—especially anywhere tree-clearing crews need to work."

Expert Comments

Climate Expert and Meteorology expert, Dan Satterfield tweeted, "Pretty sure that the damage on #Smith Island was a tornado and not a waterspout. This is based on a new video of it coming ashore and destroying a house and heavily damaging others." Another climate expert, Rich Wirdzek stated: "Significant damage on Smith Island - these pictures were taken by Tiffanie Woutila. Somerset county sheriff confirms that a waterspout came ashore and cut across the island as a tornado. #mdwx". Cait Westerholm, a climate expert with WJACTV tweeted, "A Tornado Warning has been issued just outside of Somerset county. This is in effect through 8:15 pm. Will be keeping a close eye on this storm as it moves closer. 
 

'It is one of the most unique microclimates'

People of Smith Island and Somerset County expressed their worries on Twitter.

"Very intense waterspout or more likely a #tornado in Smith Island, Maryland today #mdwx" Later another user stated, "The waterspout/tornado back home on Smith Island further supports my thoughts that Delmarva should have its own WFO. It’s one of the most unique microclimates in the CONUS and is currently split between two offices. One can dream though, right?"

Another user commented, "Check this out! A waterspout formed at Smith Island, MD this evening. It eventually made landfall and unfortunately dealt some damage as it did #madmx" 

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