Lusby, MD – September 02, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Southern Maryland Roofing has updated its storm season inspection guidance following NOAA’s August 6 revision of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane outlook, which raised the probability of a below-normal season to 75 percent. The Lusby-based roofing contractor is directing attention to wind damage recorded across the region this summer by storm systems that were never tropical in origin.
NOAA narrowed its forecast to seven to 13 named storms and two to six hurricanes, revised downward from the eight to 14 named storms projected in May. Forecasters attributed the change to El Niño conditions, which emerged in the equatorial Pacific in June and increased wind shear across the Atlantic basin. The agency placed the probability of a near-normal season at 20 percent and an above-normal season at 5 percent.
Two named storms have formed in the 2026 season to date, and neither reached hurricane strength. Tropical Storm Arthur developed in mid-June off the Texas coast and brought record rainfall to portions of Louisiana. Tropical Storm Bertha later made landfall in the same state.
National Weather Service Director Ken Graham noted that inland rainfall is a major cause of damage from tropical storms and hurricanes, citing Arthur as an example. For the 2026 season, the National Hurricane Center forecast cone graphic now also depicts inland watches and warnings, reflecting the extent to which impacts occur away from the coastline.
Severe weather across the region this summer has occurred largely independently of tropical activity. A severe thunderstorm watch issued on May 27 covered Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, citing wind gusts up to 65 mph. A further warning on June 14 extended across five counties with gusts to 60 mph and hail.
Forecasters subsequently confirmed an EF-0 tornado near Battle Creek in the St. Leonard area on June 22. The tornado touched down at approximately 7:02 p.m. and lifted two minutes later, with estimated peak winds of 75 mph and a path length of 1.3 miles.
A severe thunderstorm warning issued on July 9 cited wind gusts up to 60 mph across the surrounding area, naming Chesapeake Ranch Estates, Prince Frederick and Calvert Cliffs among affected locations. Forecasters warned that damaging winds could bring down trees and large branches and cause damage to homes.
Storms crossing Maryland on July 18 prompted National Weather Service warnings of multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms with winds reaching 70 mph, large hail and flash flooding. Tornado watches issued that afternoon covered Calvert County among others. In one affected area, a National Weather Service meteorologist reported 60 mph gusts alongside 0.7 inches of rainfall, together with numerous reports of downed trees.
“Named storms get the attention, and the damage this region absorbs tends to arrive from ordinary summer thunderstorms,” said Albert DeCesaris, Founder and Owner of Southern Maryland Roofing. “At those wind speeds the damage turns up at the edges, along ridge lines, and where flashing meets a chimney or a skylight, rather than out in the middle of a roof. A 60 mph gust does not announce itself. It lifts a shingle edge or works a piece of flashing loose.”
The company’s post-storm inspections examine roof perimeters, ridge lines and flashing transitions, along with areas where debris has come to rest. Points of that kind are difficult to assess from ground level.
Inspections on flat and low-slope commercial systems, including built-up roofing, EPDM and TPO membranes, focus on drainage performance and seam condition. Debris carried by high winds is also checked where it has collected in drainage paths.
County government advises residents that falling trees and limbs can cause extensive damage to homes, vehicles and other structures. It maintains the Calvert County Alert notification service and the Calvert Prepare mobile application, which provide emergency information and preparedness guidance to residents.
NOAA has stated that peak Atlantic activity extends from mid-September through October, placing the most active portion of the season ahead rather than behind. Forecasters additionally expect El Niño to strengthen through the remainder of the year, with implications for winter precipitation across the Mid-Atlantic.
“The window that matters sits between storms rather than after the last one,” DeCesaris said. “A stain on a ceiling is the end of that process rather than the start of it.”
The company provides roof repair, replacement, installation and coatings for residential and commercial properties, along with a maintenance service consisting of inspection, cleaning and minor repairs. It works with asphalt shingle, metal including standing seam, built-up, EPDM and TPO systems.
Founded in March 2014, the company operates from Lusby, Maryland, serving property owners throughout Calvert County and the surrounding Southern Maryland region. DeCesaris is a second-generation roofer and third-generation contractor. The company holds GAF Certified, IKO Pro Shield Plus, Firestone Red Shield Installer and CertainTeed 5-Star credentials, and is a member of SMACNA and the National Roofing Contractors Association.
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For more information about Southern Maryland Roofing, contact the company here:
Southern Maryland Roofing
Southern Maryland Roofing
(443) 532-3017
info@somdroofing.com
1402 Gregg Drive, Lusby, MD 20657, United States
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