Prince George’s County officials are assessing the damage caused by storms Friday evening to determine if enough harm was done to merit federal aid.
A microburst — a small, intense downdraft similar to a tornado — hit the Bladensburg and Cheverly areas on Friday evening. Since then the county’s Department of Environmental Resources have inspected 126 structures so far, 21 of which they deemed unsafe and uninhabitable. County officials are asking residents to call in reports of structural damage in those areas the microburst impacted.
If enough damage is found, the county can declare an emergency to apply for federal assistance with the cleanup.
Residents in Bladensburg and Cheverly with structural damage to their homes or properties can call the county’s Emergency Operations Hotline at 301-583-2230.
The county will keep open a shelter at Bladensburg High School with the help of the American Red Cross Tuesday night. Residents also can head to the shelter for food and updates on the county’s work to aid affected residents.
