Sarah Moyer

COMM331
April 25, 2016
F3 Tornado Hits College Park
A brutal tornado has hit the town of College Park, Maryland
today. Ranking an F3 on the F scale, major damage has occurred.
The most destructive of all atmospheric phenomena, this tornado
has caused power outages, businesses to close, damage to multiple
buildings. Evacuations took place all along Route 1.
After the 2002 tornado causing millions in damage, no new
shelters have been put in place. Mayor Joie explained that College
Park, is not a hotbed for heavy tornadoes, and feels as though the
residences currently in place are sufficient for students to reside in
during a natural disaster.
However, the town has increased its efforts through technology
to increase awareness and alert College Park residents. Sirens also
signal around the town when there is a major storm.
The University of Maryland offered shelter in the Stamp Student
Union basement, and is relying on social media to keep students
updated. Call centers have been put in place and are continuing to be
used. Joie made a statement noting, First responders are still roaming
the area to assess the damage and see if anyone needs help.
Since the storm has just ended, the full amount of damage is still
unknown. Four fatalities have been confirmed, and three have been
injured.
Mayor Joie has issued a travel advisory for those entering College
Park, and made clear her number one priority is to ensure people are
able to leave and enter the town safely.
Schools should start within a week, and the expected cost of
damage will soon be determined. President Loh tweeted earlier today,
letting his students and staff know the town will soon be back to
normal. Until then, residents should be extremely cautious when
leaving their homes.