HAGERSTOWN – Less than three days after powerful winds downed trees, littered streets and left thousands in the dark, Hagerstown is nearly fully restored thanks to city crews, volunteers and a community that never hesitated to help.
During the April 22 City Council meeting, elected officials and residents shared personal stories of resilience and praised the city’s fast response. The storm, which struck the evening of April 19, knocked out electricity to more than 13,000 customers and caused extensive property damage throughout neighborhoods like Virginia Avenue and Pope Avenue.
As of Tuesday night, slightly more than 300 homes were still without power, but reconnection was expected within hours. Mayor William McIntire expressed pride and gratitude, stating, “We went from 13,000 outages to 300 in just three days. But what I’ll remember most is how our neighbors stepped up. This is a city that shows up.”
Acting City Administrator Michelle Hepburn said some staff members in the light department and public works teams worked more than 24 hours straight. “Many don’t realize how small the team is,” Hepburn told the council. “They came out immediately and stayed until the job was done.” The mayor and council members echoed that gratitude, noting the quick restoration and the unseen hours worked through the weekend.
City leaders emphasized that, beyond city staff, residents also played a vital role. From midnight chainsaw crews to neighbors rebuilding fences, the storm revealed the best in people.
“I helped two elderly neighbors rebuild a fence on Sunday,” said Councilmember Kristin Aleshire. “It’s what you do.”
“We were out there too,” said Mayor William McIntire. “At midnight, I heard people clearing streets with chainsaws. That’s what community is.”
Local resident Steve Jones, founder of the Facebook group “Cleaning Up Hagerstown”, spoke during the public comment period. He shared that his team had already removed over 10,000 pounds of debris from areas like Antietam Creek and Eastern Boulevard, most of it from abandoned encampments or storm debris. “We’re not asking for funding, just volunteers,” Jones said. “We plan to rebrand as Keep It Clean MD and keep going.”
While storm recovery continues, the city is preparing for the final walk of the Hub City 100-Miler at City Park on Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11 a.m.; the annual Earth and Arbor Day Celebration at City Park, also Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and the City Farmers Market at Hub City Brewery on Sunday, April 27 from noon to 4 p.m.
In the meantime, the Department of Public Works will also continue to pick up limbs and debris, with details posted on the city website.
For updates on cleanup and recovery, readers may visit hagerstownmd.org or follow the City of Hagerstown on social media.
