The aftermath of the tornado that struck Smith Island is still visible two months after it carved a destructive path through the sparsely populated Chesapeake Bay archipelago. The EF1 tornado began as a waterspout that continued on land, damaged a number of piers and homes despite not seriously injuring any residents. With winds of 73-112 mph, the most severe damage was to power lines; the home of elderly resident Doris Lee Bradshaw, who was injured while she slept inside; and a bed-and-breakfast, which lost its entire third floor. For Pastor Everett Landon, growing up on the island meant dealing with swift and possibly dangerous inclement weather. He can still see the rubble of the Bradshaw house that has yet to be removed or rebuilt.
Smith Island leans on faith, neighbors in tornado cleanup
October 17, 2022