An examination of preparedness, response, and recovery for the La Plata, Maryland, tornado

Robert M. Schwartz, PhD

doi:10.5055/jem.2003.0030

Authors

Robert M. Schwartz, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2003.0030

Keywords:

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Abstract

The most severe tornado of spring, 2002, did not occur in Tornado Alley but in La Plata, MD. It was first classified as an F5 but then reclassified as an F4 on the Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale. This paper examines preparedness, response, and recovery issues by studying the town of La Plata (a bedroom community south of Washington, DC), Charles County, Maryland, and the National Weather Service. Methods employed included a site visit, field observations, and interviews.

Author Biography

Robert M. Schwartz, PhD

Department of Geography, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana

References

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