Flash Flood Watch Includes Harford County

As the heat breaks in Maryland, storms are on the way. There is a flash flood watch in effect for several counties, including Harford.

The flash flood watch is in effect from 2:15 p.m. on Thursday to 11 a.m. on Friday for Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford and Howard counties.

At 1:53 p.m., a strong thunderstorm was spotted in the area of Fallston or Cockeysville, moving northeast at 10 mphs, with the potential for winds greater than 40 mph and cloud-to-ground lightning.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop late Thursday afternoon as a low-pressure system moves northeast from Virginia through Maryland to New Jersey, according to the National Weather Service.

Torrential downpours may occur, with rain falling at a rate of an inch or two an hour during the flash flood watch period, weather officials report.

A flash flood watch means that conditions are favorable for the development of flash flooding, or a rapid rise in water level that could cause streams and low-lying areas to overflow. Drivers should not venture through water of unknown depths; turn around—don't drown.

The rainfall is anticipated as temperatures drop nearly 20 degrees; there is a high of 90 in central Maryland on Thursday, with temps dipping to the low 70s in the evening. It is expected to be in the low 80s on Friday.

Patch File Photo.