Flash Flood Watches Issued For 7 Counties Plus Baltimore

MARYLAND — Showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain and damaging winds may roll through the Interstate 95 corridor Wednesday from D.C. to Delaware, according to forecasters. Several inches of rain could fall in some areas, prompting the National Weather Service to post flash flood watches across Maryland. Officials say the greatest risk is along the I-95 corridor.

Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties and Baltimore City are under a flash flood watch from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31.

Storms could drop 3 inches of rain in central Maryland Wednesday during the flash flood watch period, according to the weather service.

The National Weather Service issues a flash flood watch when conditions may develop leading to a rapid rise in water level, or flash flooding, which can be life-threatening. Those who see flooded roads should turn around; don't drown.

These areas may be impacted, according to weather officials: Reisterstown, Cockeysville, Baltimore, Bowie, Suitland-Silver Hill, Clinton, College Park, Greenbelt, Laurel, Camp Springs, Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Severn, South Gate, Severna Park, Arnold, Odenton, Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Columbia, Ellicott City, Jarrettsville and Aberdeen.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 9 p.m., meaning there is the potential for severe thunderstorms. By the National Weather Service's definition, a severe thunderstorm is one with winds of at least 58 mph and/or hail at least 1 inch in diameter.

Northeastern Maryland Under Separate Watch

Cecil County is under a separate flash flood watch from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, along with parts of New Jersey, Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania.

Afternoon showers and thunderstorms will move through the region, with periods of heavy rain possible Wednesday afternoon into early evening, forecasters say.

Totals of 1 to 2 inches are possible in some areas, while others may see 3 to 4 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service.

Streams may overflow their banks, and people should be prepared to move to higher ground. Urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, drainage areas and other low-lying spots could see flooding.

Extended Forecast: Chances Of Rain Each Day

Here's the forecast for the Baltimore area, according to the National Weather Service:

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. They could be severe, with damaging winds and heavy rain. High near 89 and low around 70. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday: Partly sunny. High near 88 and low around 72. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86 and low around 71. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86 and low around 71. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89 and low around 71. Chance of showers is 30%.