Hazardous Weather Outlook, Gale Warning Issued In Maryland

MARYLAND — Thunderstorms may cause wind and hail damage Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a hazardous weather outlook for parts of Maryland.

The alert applies to Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Cecil, Charles, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties. The hazardous weather outlook also applies to D.C. and northern Virginia.

Forecasters said wind or hail damage would be concentrated in southern Maryland.

In addition, a wind advisory will take effect at 4 a.m. Friday for St. Mary's and Calvert counties calling for gusts up to 50 mph.

A gale warning has been issued from midnight to 6 p.m. Friday for the Chesapeake Bay, Patapsco River and Tidal Potomac due to strong winds that could create waves capable of capsizing or damaging vessels.

"Gale force winds may begin abruptly overnight," the National Weather Service warned. "A few gusts to near storm force are possible. Remain mindful of cold water temperatures. Rapid onset hypothermia will occur to anyone who is exposed to the cold water, which is currently in the 40s."

Boaters should stay in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure their vessels during the warning period.

Here is the Baltimore forecast from the National Weather Service:

Thursday: Showers, with thunderstorms also possible from 5 to midnight p.m. Patchy fog. High near 53. Southeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New rainfall amounts between 0.25 and .5 inch possible.

Friday: Rainy in the morning, then clear but windy. Showers until 9 a.m., with a 90 percent chance of precipitation and up to 0.1 inch rain possible. Winds of 15 to 20 mph could gust as high as 33 mph after midnight and 37 mph during the day. High near 46 degrees and low around 30.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 52 and low around 36.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 58 and a low around 38.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59 and low around 42.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63 and a low around 45.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 63.