College Park, MD--- Severe thunderstorms and an F3 tornado touched down an hour ago in the College Park area, with heavy damages occurring along Route 1 near the University of Maryland campus.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The tornado struck down multiple power lines around Route 1, resulting in widespread power outages.

“Our 911 call center and first responders are working to respond to damages,” College Park Mayor Joie said at a press conference.

This statement was updated at a second conference. “The generators at the call centers have been fixed, so they have now been put in place,” Joie said. “All calls are able to be made and should go through. First responders are going through to see if anyone needs help in the surrounding areas as well as UMD campus.”

During the storm, the call center had trouble receiving calls due to the power outages. If a student or resident had trouble reaching out to the 911 call center due to power outages, they were encouraged to use social media or find first responders for help.

Fear of the storm worsening led to an evacuation of residents in the immediate Route 1 area. Students on campus were encouraged to find shelter in the basements of their residence halls, or, if safe, travel to the Stamp Student Union, where there was a designated basement shelter.

Mayor Joie confirmed four fatalities and three injuries but was unable to provide more specific information.

The lasting effects of the storm remain unknown. When asked how the tornado will affect local businesses, Joie responded that damages are expected.

“Since a lot of power is out and a lot of lines have gone down, a few businesses have also incurred damages from this storm,” Joie said. “So we do have to work to put the power lines back up, which is an ongoing process. So economically that [lack of power] is going to hurt a lot of the businesses around the area.”

Those who were evacuated are encouraged to return, and Joie advised that students remain on campus. It is also suggested that those driving toward College Park find an alternate route as officials work to clear trees and power lines around the affected areas.

Officials are unable to give a specific date as to when the University of Maryland campus will re-open.

“Since the storm just ended we are still in the process of assessing damages, but we assume [campus will re-open] next week,” Joie said.