Tornado batters College Park

By Shira Torchinsky
April 17, 2017 11:40 a.m.

COLLEGE PARK, Md.A tornado touched down in College Park at 10:15 a.m. with damages
mainly around the area of Knox Road and Route 1. There are many broken windows, downed
power lines and compromised structures.
The mayors office said half the city is without power. A state of emergency has been issued and
emergency crews from surrounding counties have been called in to help search and rescue
efforts. Currently, there are 24 reported injuries and several suspected fatalities.
Prince Georges County General Hospital is currently treating around two dozen people, but
numbers are very fluid, Mayor Lara Hollenczer said in a press briefing earlier today.
Due to the hazardous conditions surrounding the area, first responders are trapped in the Mowatt
Lane Garage at the University of Maryland. The Prince Georges County Fire Department,
College Park Division is on the scene.
Citizens and students of the area are urged to stay inside. If immediate shelter is needed, Ritchie
Coliseum will act as an emergency shelter for the community.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado was characterized as an F-3, with 158-
206 mph winds and severe damage expected.
A tornado of this caliber has not occurred in the College Park area since 2012.
This story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
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