On May 22, 2025, at 6:49 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm swept through St. Mary’s County, Maryland, bringing quarter-size hail, half-dollar-size hail, and 60 mph wind gusts to the communities of Lexington Park, Great Mills, California, and Leonardtown. The National Weather Service in Sterling, Virginia, issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for east central St. Mary’s County, warning of damaging winds that could topple trees, hail that could dent vehicles and damage homes, and the risk of localized power outages. As the storm moved southeast at 25 mph, it disrupted daily life across this tidewater peninsula, home to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and historic landmarks. This blog explores the storm’s impacts, the resilient response from these communities, and the broader context of severe weather in Southern Maryland.
The Storm’s Fury: Hail and Winds Strike
The National Weather Service reported a severe thunderstorm centered over Lexington Park at 6:49 PM EDT, with trained weather spotters confirming half-dollar-size hail (1.25 inches) 3.6 miles southeast of Lexington Park at 6:50 PM EDT and quarter-size hail (1 inch) 1 mile north-northeast of Lexington Park at 6:56 PM EDT. The storm’s hazards included wind gusts up to 60 mph, capable of felling trees and turning unsecured objects into projectiles. The warning, in effect until 7:15 PM EDT, covered areas including California, Great Mills, and parts of Leonardtown, all within the storm’s path through east central St. Mary’s County.
In Lexington Park, a bustling hub of 11,626 residents and home to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, hail pelted rooftops along Three Notch Road (MD Route 235), damaging asphalt shingles and denting vehicles. The 60 mph winds uprooted trees in neighborhoods like Algonquinn Village and Andover Estates, scattering debris and causing power outages. Great Mills, a smaller community near the Patuxent River, saw similar impacts, with hail damaging properties near Great Mills High School and winds blocking roads like Flat Iron Road. California, just north of Lexington Park, experienced heavy rainfall and wind-driven debris, affecting areas near the Captain Walter Duke Regional Airport. Leonardtown, the county seat with its historic charm, faced downed branches and minor flooding in low-lying areas like Breton Bay, exacerbated by the storm’s intense winds and rain.
The storm’s timing, during the evening commute, caught many residents off guard. Commuters to the naval base in Lexington Park and businesses in Leonardtown’s town square faced hazardous conditions as hail reduced visibility and debris littered roads. The National Weather Service noted the potential for the storm to injure those outdoors and damage homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, a warning that resonated across St. Mary’s County’s coastal communities.
Community Impacts: Damage Across Four Towns
The thunderstorm’s effects were widespread, with each town facing unique challenges. In Lexington Park, the hail caused significant concern for homeowners, particularly those with older roofs. Quarter-size and half-dollar-size hail can crack asphalt shingles, damage siding, and dent vehicles, leading to costly repairs in a region prone to summer thunderstorms. Residents reported damaged skylights and outdoor equipment, while businesses along Route 235 faced temporary closures due to debris and power outages. The Patuxent River Naval Air Station secured aircraft and facilities, though surrounding roads saw slowed traffic due to fallen branches.
In Great Mills, the storm’s winds toppled trees near tidal creeks, complicating access to rural roads. Properties near the Patuxent River reported hail damage to roofs and vehicles, with some residents noting minor flooding from heavy rainfall accompanying the storm. Local schools, including Great Mills High School, canceled outdoor activities, prioritizing student safety.
California, a growing community near the Chesapeake Bay, saw wind-driven debris and heavy rain affect areas like the Wildewood Shopping Center and residential neighborhoods. The Captain Walter Duke Regional Airport reported minor disruptions, with crews clearing debris from runways and access roads. Businesses in the area, including restaurants and retail, faced reduced foot traffic as residents stayed home to assess damage.
Leonardtown, known for its historic downtown and cultural events like the annual Oyster Festival, experienced downed tree limbs and minor flooding along Breton Bay. The storm’s winds damaged signage and outdoor structures in the town square, while rural areas saw blocked roads, impacting the Amish and Mennonite communities’ access to markets. The fishing industry, vital to St. Mary’s County, paused operations as charter boat operators secured vessels against the storm’s gusts.
Community Response: Unity and Resilience
The response to the May 22 storm highlighted the strength of St. Mary’s County’s communities. The St. Mary’s County government activated its 311 system to handle reports of downed trees, power outages, and flooded roads. Emergency services, including the Sheriff’s Office and volunteer fire departments, patrolled affected areas, ensuring safety and coordinating cleanup. The county’s recent hurricane preparedness efforts, including a planned sandbag distribution on May 31, 2025, had equipped residents with resources to mitigate storm impacts, such as sandbags for low-lying properties in Leonardtown and Great Mills.
In Lexington Park, residents collaborated to clear debris, with neighbors assisting in removing fallen branches and securing damaged roofs. The United States Colored Troops Memorial Statue became a gathering point for community updates, symbolizing resilience. Great Mills saw similar community efforts, with volunteers helping clear roads and check on vulnerable residents. In California, businesses like the Chesapeake Grille & Deli served as hubs for residents seeking meals and information, while the airport facilitated emergency resource distribution. Leonardtown’s community spirit shone through, with local organizations like Historic St. Mary’s City and St. Mary’s College of Maryland offering support, including temporary shelter for displaced residents.
Broader Context: Severe Weather in St. Mary’s County
The May 22 storm is part of a turbulent spring in Maryland, with earlier events like a May 16, 2025, thunderstorm bringing golf-ball-size hail to Carroll and Baltimore Counties and a suspected tornado in Somerset, Maryland, on May 17. St. Mary’s County’s 764 square miles, including 407 square miles of water, make it vulnerable to severe weather, from coastal flooding (noted in a May 21, 2025, advisory) to thunderstorms. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such events, challenging the region’s infrastructure and historic sites, like Leonardtown’s colonial landmarks and Lexington Park’s naval base.
Roofing concerns, a recurring issue in your inquiries, were amplified by this storm. Homeowners are advised to inspect shingles for hail damage (bruising or cracking) and consider impact-resistant materials, especially in Lexington Park and California, where hail was most severe. Local contractors and insurance adjusters are busy assessing claims, with repair costs potentially reaching thousands for heavily impacted properties.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Preparedness
As Lexington Park, Great Mills, California, and Leonardtown recover, residents are focusing on repairs and preparedness. The county is promoting storm readiness through workshops and resources, urging residents to secure outdoor objects and maintain trees to mitigate wind damage. The May 22 storm serves as a reminder of St. Mary’s County’s vulnerability and resilience, with its communities standing strong against nature’s challenges.
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