Cleanup Begins After Strong Storms Rock Neighborhoods
DUNDALK, Md. (WJZ)—Homes condemned. People are forced out after strong storms rolled through the Baltimore area.
Weijia Jiang talked to the people who are cleaning up the mess left behind by Mother Nature.
The fast-moving storm packed a devastating punch. Many WJZ spoke with can't believe their homes were destroyed so quickly.
Angela Dyer is desperately looking for a new place to live after Thursday's powerful thunderstorm tore the roof off the Dundalk building she called home.
"Just packing, packing and throwing away stuff," Dyer said.
"It's terrible, real terrible," said Mark Orwig, displaced resident. "It's the worst thing ever. I wouldn't wish it on nobody."
Then just as many were trying to recover, heavy rain and another round of severe weather pounded parts of Maryland on Friday.
The streets in downtown Frederick were flooded.
The 1-2 punch was stunning. Nearly 40,000 BGE customers lost service at some point as wires made a mess of the wet ground.
Trees blocked major roadways and shattered cars in Lansdowne.
"When I opened my front door, debris, branches, everything came flying probably 60-70 miles per hour," said Steve Politis, of Lansdowne.
Folks in Dundalk say the storm ripped through in about an hour. But judging from the mess it left behind, they don't know how long it will take to clean up.
"It's just terrible inside, the worst--all the installation of the buildings everywhere in the rooms," said Mac McPherson, displaced resident.
Homeowner Mark White says he has never seen anything like it in his life.
Back in Dundalk, Dyer and her boyfriend joined dozens of families in a final push to grab and pack whatever they can, hoping to re-build.
"It's terrible," said Jeff Grieves, who lost his roof. "I ain't gonna have a house to live in for months."
In the meantime, the Red Cross has stepped in to provide food, supplies and shelter to about two dozen families. Many others are living with loved ones as pick up all those pieces.
No serious injuries were reported as a result of the storm.
To help the victims of Thursday night's storms, click here or call 410-624-2030. Donations are needed.
