BJs Shut Down After Exterior Of Building Falls Off: Fire Official

COLUMBIA, MD — The exterior of a BJs store in Columbia fell off Thursday night. The building was evacuated and subsequently closed as a precaution. The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services responded to the Snowden River Parkway store at approximately 7 p.m. No injuries were reported.

The collapse happened not long after severe weather rolled through the region. Howard County was under a tornado warning for a brief period of time, but officials have not said if the collapse was related to the weather and any possible damage sustained by the storm, WJZ noted.

HCDFRS is on scene in the 9000 block of Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia. | Exterior facade damage, no structural damage reported. | Building has been evacuated as a precaution and is closed at this time. County Inspections, Licenses & Permits dept will assess structural integrity. pic.twitter.com/V0GiEUKQo3
— Howard Co Fire & EMS (@HCDFRS) July 29, 2021