Tornado Watch Issued In Maryland

MARYLAND — A tornado watch has been issued for multiple jurisdictions across Maryland, according to the National Weather Service. A flood warning and a severe thunderstorm warning have also been issued for more targeted areas.

Officials issued the tornado watch at 1:05 p.m., and it will remain in effect until 7 p.m. on Monday. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado.

Five counties remain under the watch, the National Weather Service said in a statement Monday before 3 p.m.: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Cecil, Harford and St. Mary's counties.

Caroline and Queen Anne's counties were under a tornado warning until 3:45 p.m. Tornado warnings were also issued for Harford and Cecil counties, but they expired at 2:45 and 3:15 p.m., respectively.

Originally, 17 jurisdictions were included the tornado watch as it was issued Monday afternoon: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties and Baltimore City.

A Tornado Watch is in effect this afternoon for the areas highlighted in yellow. Details: https://t.co/sx1txQrJQA #MDwx #VAwx pic.twitter.com/HiQEkfdZjW
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) November 30, 2020

Some areas in Harford and Baltimore counties are also under a flood warning until after 7 p.m.

Before 1:45 p.m., the gauge at Otter Point Creek in Edgewood was approaching minor flood stage due to excessive rain from thunderstorms.

Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have fallen so far, officials said, and 0.5 to 1.5 inches of rain may still fall during the warning period.

Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in these parts of the warned area, according to the National Weather Service: Bel Air South, Riverside, Kingsville, Pleasant Hills, Edgewood, Joppatowne, Joppa, Bradshaw, Benson, Abingdon, Upper Falls, Gunpowder and Harford Furnace.

At 1:11 p.m., the National Weather Service reported 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain had fallen in parts of Baltimore County, where flooding was ongoing or expected to start shortly. Another 0.5 to 1 inch of rain could fall before 7:15 p.m., when the warning expires, officials said.

These locations may flood, according to the warning: Middle River, Essex, Perry Hall, Rosedale, Rossville, White Marsh, Bowleys Quarters, Kingsville, Joppatowne, Nottingham, Martin State Airport and Gunpowder.

High water has been reported in parts of Baltimore County and Baltimore City, including Interstate 695 at Greenspring Avenue, US 40 in White Marsh and North Point Road in East Baltimore, the latter of which required water rescues.

In addition, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Anne Arundel, Charles and Prince George's counties until 2:15 p.m.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Waldorf MD, Glen Burnie MD, Bowie MD until 2:15 PM EST pic.twitter.com/bkH69k8XpJ
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) November 30, 2020

The National Weather Service also issued a hazardous weather outlook Monday morning for much of Maryland.

"Scattered instances of wind damage or a tornado or waterspout" could occur due to the showers and thunderstorms late Monday morning through mid-afternoon, according to the weather service.

Drivers should give themselves extra time to get to their destinations because some roads may be affected by water.

With slick road conditions this morning, drive like your mom is watching, and move over a lane when approaching first responders assisting motorists on the side of the road so they can safely do their jobs. #MDTraffic #mdotsafety tr pic.twitter.com/vC0MkiVMu8
— MD State Highway Adm (@MDSHA) November 30, 2020

The National Weather Service also issued a gale warning Monday for the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, tidal Potomac River and adjoining tidal estuaries until 6 p.m. Mariners should stay in port, seek safe harbor or alter course, as strong winds and waves could capsize vessels.

A coastal flood watch is in effect for Anne Arundel and southern Baltimore counties as well as Baltimore City from 4 to 10 p.m. Officials advise up to 1 foot of inundation is possible above ground in low-lying areas because of tidal flooding.

High tide is of particular concern at these times, according to the National Weather Service:

• Annapolis at 5:36 p.m.
• Fort McHenry at 6:56 p.m.
• Bowley Bar at 8:10 p.m.

People should take action to protect flood-prone property, according to the National Weather Service.