MD On Alert For Flash Flooding, Severe Thunderstorms Before Laura

MARYLAND — Much of the state is under a severe thunderstorm watch Friday afternoon and evening. Parts of central Maryland are also under a flash flood watch.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely, damaging wind gusts are possible, and there may be isolated cases of flooding during the watch period, according to the National Weather Service.

These areas are included in the severe thunderstorm watch: Baltimore City and Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Talbot and Washington counties.

The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.

Several severe thunderstorm warnings were issued between 2 and 5:15 p.m. as storms rumbled across the region, packing 60 mph winds and hail in some parts of central Maryland.

Localized amounts of 2 to 4 inches of rain are possible as thunderstorms arrive Friday evening, according to the National Weather Service. Roads and low-lying structures may flood.

Due to the potential for a rapid rise in water level, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties are under a flash flood watch until 4 a.m. Saturday.

Flash flooding is a life-threatening situation. People who see flooded roads should turn around; don't drown.

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INITIAL REPORT — Much of the state is under a severe thunderstorm watch Friday afternoon and evening. Forecasters say scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely, damaging wind gusts are possible, and there may be isolated cases of flooding during the watch period.
These areas are included in the severe thunderstorm watch: Baltimore City and Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Talbot and Washington counties.

The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday.

The first touch of severe weather reached northeastern Maryland soon after the watch was issued.

Havre de Grace was under a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:15 p.m. after radar detected a storm with 60 mph wind gusts in the area after 1:50 p.m. Those in Aberdeen and Havre de Grace were advised to move indoors on the lowest floor to stay safe from damaging wind.

At 2:10 p.m., officials said a storm with 60 mph winds and quarter-sized hail was 7 miles east of Havre de Grace and moving east at 25 mph, putting Cecil County on alert for severe weather.

The storm had frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, according to the weather service, which advised the wind may also damage vehicles, roofs, siding, trees and power lines.

Until 3:45 p.m., parts of Baltimore, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery counties are under a severe thunderstorm warning. After 3 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was detected over Mount Airy that was moving east at 35 mph. Radar indicated the storm had 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-sized hail, according to the National Weather Service.

Those in warned areas should go to the interior room on the lowest floor of a building.

As the remnants of Laura pass through the region, the National Weather Service reports damaging wind gusts are possible Saturday around the state.